Verification is the process used by institutions to check the accuracy of the information the student and, in the case of a dependent student, the student's parents, provided when applying for Title IV federal student aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
While verification is an important step in maintaining the integrity of federal aid programs, it imposes significant burdens on students and aid administrators.
Over the last decade, the Department of Education (ED) has made attempts to make the verification process more efficient. But despite the attempts to ease the burden, a complex web of promised solutions and new requirements has resulted in little to no change in verification rates, creating a troubling situation for both students and schools.
NASFAA continues to advocate on behalf of its members and the students they aid, providing thoughtful and burden reducing proposals for changes to the verification process.
Publication Date: 11/8/2021