Getting Started: Undergraduate
Verification
Verification is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Education and is the process of confirming information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects who must be verified, and not all applicants will be selected for Verification. In addition, CLU has discretion to select students for Verification if there is conflicting information on the FAFSA.
2012-13 Process
The U.S. Department of Education has changed the documentation required to complete the FAFSA verification process starting with the 2012-13 academic year. Please click here for more information.
2011-12 Process (for students planning to attend spring semester 2012)
Students who are selected for Verification will be notified on their Student Aid Report (SAR) and will receive a letter from CLU with a Verification Worksheet. Federal regulation requires those selected to submit tax forms and other requested information to the Financial Aid Office before awards can be disbursed.
Verification documents must be submitted within 10 days of the letter from CLU requesting the documents. Failure to submit the requested documentation within 10 days may result in a reduction of eligibility for certain financial aid awards – specifically Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), Perkins Loan, and CLU Grant.
Required Verification Documentation for Dependent Students
- Completed and signed 2011-12 Verification Worksheet Dependent
- Copy of Student's signed and dated 2010 Federal Tax Return (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
- Copy of Parent’s signed and dated 2010 Federal Tax Return (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
Required Verification Documentation for Independent Students
- Completed and signed 2011-12 Verification Worksheet Independent
- Copy of Student's signed and dated 2010 Federal Tax Return (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
- Copy of Spouse's signed and dated 2010 Federal Tax Return (1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) if applicable
If the student or parent has filed for an extension on their Federal Tax Return, please submit (within the 10-day period) a copy of the following:
- Copy of 2009 Federal Tax Return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ)
- Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), and
- All 2010 W-2s, 1099s or other earnings statements
- If any/all income is from a personal business, submit a signed statement from tax accountant indicating the gross earnings for the business in the 2010 tax year
If you are unable to find copies of your Federal Tax Returns, you may contact the Internal Revenue Service to request a copy of your "Tax Return Transcript". Please click here for more information.
