Submit Required Documents
When a student is selected for verification, the school is required to verify the information inputted onto the FAFSA as being true and accurate. The verification process ensures all financial aid is awarded according to federal and state regulations. Approximately 30% of all financial aid applicants are randomly selected by the federal government for verification. You may be selected if the information you submitted on your FAFSA is incomplete or inconsistent.
Students selected for verification will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office requesting documents such as income federal tax returns, verification worksheets, W-2 forms, copy of social security card, student visa, etc. If you are a dependent student, and you have been selected for verification, your parents will be asked to submit verification documents.
Verification Process
A Financial Aid Counselor verifies that the information provided on the FAFSA matches the verification documentation submitted. If there is a discrepancy in the data, the counselor may request additional documentation and/or make the necessary corrections to the FAFSA which may recalculated your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). These changes are electronically transmitted to the federal processor, who will update your official FAFSA and transmit it back to the University.
Due to a high volume of incoming documents, processing time may take up to six weeks. It is important you read your email/letter correspondence or view your “To-do list” on myCI to ensure the appropriate documents are submitted in a timely manner. You will not be awarded Financial Aid until your information has been verified.
Submit all required documents directly to the Financial Aid Office
Do not submit documents unless requested.
- Answer all questions. Read the form(s) carefully and completely.
- Sign all forms and documents.
- Return all needed documents as quickly as possible.
- Incomplete, inaccurate, or illegible responses from you will cause a delay in processing.