Verification Process

What is Verification?

Verification is a process used by colleges to confirm the accuracy of data reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA collects information about your family's income, assets, and other factors to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study.

The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects students for verification. NCCC may select others if we find conflicting information. Depending on the time of year, the verification review process can take up to 14 business days from the time the Financial Aid Office receives all requested documents.

What Information is Needed?

During the verification process, we may request documentation to verify the information on your FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office will notify you via email if you are selected and will inform you of the specific documents you need to provide. This documentation could include things like tax returns, W-2 forms, other financial records, marital status documentation, or other information needed to clarify and confirm the information reported on your FAFSA.

What Happens Next?

Students selected for verification will not be awarded financial aid until the Financial aid Office has received all requested documentation and the verification process has been completed.

The Financial Aid Office will verify the information on your FAFSA application with the submitted documents to ensure that all the information is correct and consistent. If the Financial Aid Office makes any corrections to your FAFSA, the corrected information will be sent back to the federal processor to be revised. You will receive notification of the changes by the federal processor.

Once reviewed, an award letter will be mailed to the student, or an email notification will be sent indicating that awards have been adjusted.

Recommended Verification Dates

If you are selected for verification, it's important to provide the requested documents promptly to avoid delays in receiving financial aid and to maximize your aid eligibility. We do not provide financial aid award notices until verification has been completed. We recommend students submit their documents within 14 days of being selected.

To receive a timely award, we strongly encourage you to submit all requested documentation no later than:

-- Fall Semester: August 1
-- Spring Semester: December 1
-- Summer Semester: May 1