Verification

Adams State must check the accuracy of all applications the Central Processing System (CPS) selects for verification. CPS selects applicants for verification due to edit checks which identify inconsistencies or potential errors, as well as randomly select applicants for verification. ASU must also verify any application that it has reason to believe is incorrect, discrepant, or is found to have conflicting information with other offices within ASU.

Data to be Verified

  • Household size 
  • Number in college
  • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
  • US income taxes paid
  • Untaxed income and benefits including food stamps (SNAP benefits), child support, social security benefits, IRA/Keogh deductions, foreign income, and the Earned Income Credit (EIC)

Verification Process

Students selected for verification are sent a letter including instructions regarding the documents that should be submitted to ASU within 30 days. The student's financial aid file is held on a pending status and no award will be made until the requested documentation has been received and reviewed. Exceptions are granted for students that are only eligible for Unsubsidized Stafford loans and PLUS loans, as these applications do not have to be verified.

The data reported on the verification worksheet, federal tax returns, and any other supporting documentation provided is checked against the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). Generally speaking, when the new information conflicts with the original information presented on the FAFSA, corrections, updates, and adjustments may need to be made and a new expected family contribution (EFC) is calculated. Students will be notified through campus email of any changes or additional documents needed.

Verification worksheets for the current year are available on our FA Forms page.