What is verification?

Once your FAFSA has been processed, you may be selected for a process called verification.

During this review, the financial aid staff compares the FAFSA with information provided in the required verification documents, including IRS tax data. If discrepant information is discovered, CIU will update the FAFSA and send the corrected FAFSA to Central Processing System (CPS) for reprocessing. Additionally, financial aid awards will be recalculated using the updated FAFSA and its Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation. 

You are required to submit the verification documentation requested to validate the information provided on your FAFSA.

What if I'm selected for verification?

If you have been notified by the CPS that your FAFSA was selected for verification, please wait for email communication from CIU regarding whether or not you need to complete verification with us.

Also, please note that if you’re selected for verification, you cannot receive any of your federal, need-based state aid or CIU need-based aid until the verification process is completed.

What is the deadline?

There is no formal deadline; however, we encourage you to submit the required verification documents as soon as reasonably possible.

If you don’t complete the verification process, you forfeit eligibility for federal student aid, need-based state aid and CIU need-based aid.

Where do I submit Documents?

Documents can be submitted to the Financial Aid Office via email, fax or mail.

Contact the Financial Aid Office 

Columbia International University
Attn: Financial Aid
7435 Monticello Road
Columbia, SC 29203

Email: finaid@ciu.edu
Phone: (803) 807-5036 
Fax: (803) 223-2505