Verification
What, Why, and How of Verification
What is verification?
The Federal Government requires colleges and universities to verify or confirm the data reported by students and their parents on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Why was I selected for Verification?
The U.S. Department of Education selects students for verification through a random selection process or if irregularities of data are identified. Verification requires students and parent(s) to provide documentation that the information reported on a student's FAFSA is accurate.
How do I complete verification?
If your FAFSA is selected for verification, our office will send you a copy of the Verification Form you need to complete. The Verification Form will also let you know the additional documentation you need to submit.
Most students (and parents) will also be required to submit appropriate tax documentation. Please review the following Tax Retrieval Instructions for detailed information on obtaining the required tax documentation.
Financial aid administrators have the right to ask for any documentation they feel is necessary to complete verification. Federal financial aid cannot be disbursed until verification is completed.
Please do not submit any forms or tax documents to our office unless specifically requested to do so.
What happens once the verification review is completed?
Once our office has completed the review of your verification documents, we will make any necessary changes to your FAFSA. Then, you will be awarded your federal financial aid based on the corrected FAFSA information. Students are notified of their financial aid award through the Student Center in the Integrated Student Information System and/or email or letter.
Is completing verification optional?
You will not be able to receive any federal financial aid until the verification process is completed. If you are selected for verification after your aid has disbursed and do not complete verification, your aid can be cancelled.
If you do not want to receive federal aid, you are not required to complete the verification process. Please email our office at finaid@uark.edu if you wish to discontinue verification. You will not be eligible for any federal aid including the Pell Grant, federal student loans, work-study, etc.
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