Verification is the next step in the financial aid process after LSU has received a completed FAFSA with no errors or omissions detected by the Department of Education’s Central Processing System (CPS).  The process involves submission of documentation that is processed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid so that a financial aid award package may be created.

What type of documentation is requested?

All students are required to submit a Student Data Form.  The Student Data Form is an online form submitted via the PAWS account that allows you to indicate your enrollment plans, living plans, and the types of financial aid for which you would like to be considered.  For some students, documents are required in addition to the Student Data Form to verify specific information on the FAFSA.  Approximately 30% of students are randomly selected by the CPS to be fully verified.  Full verification means that all information provided on the FAFSA must be checked by the student’s institution for accuracy.  The CPS notifies the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid of the students that must be fully verified by flagging their FAFSA’s.  These students are notified by email of the verification documents they must submit.  This documentation can include, but is not limited to, tax returns, marriage license, birth certificate, and LSU forms.  

Why do I have to submit this documentation?

The information/documentation requested is used to ensure that the information you submitted on your FAFSA is correct.  It is important that the information on the FAFSA is correct because that information is used to determine your financial aid eligibility.   

How do I know what I am required to submit?

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid notifies you by email of the documents you must submit.  You may also view a list of documents via your PAWS account by clicking Financial Services, Financial Aid, Federal Financial Aid, choose the appropriate academic year, Process Request.  All requested documents must be submitted before you will be awarded a financial aid award package.

What does the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid do with the documents I submit?

The information on your FAFSA is checked for accuracy based on the documents you submit.  If errors appear on the FAFSA, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid corrects the errors.  The documents are confidential and do not leave the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid.

How can I submit my documents?

You may submit documents in person, by mail, or fax to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid

1146 Pleasant Hall

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Fax:  (225)578-6300

When should I submit my documents?

You should submit documents as soon as possible after requested to expedite the award process.  Please be aware of the following deadlines for submitting verification:

• To receive a loan for the academic year, the deadline to return all required documents is the first business day of May.

• To receive a loan for a semester only loan, the deadline to return all required documents is:

  • Summer only loans: Last business day of July.

  • Fall only loans: First business day of December.

  • Spring only loans: First business day of May.

For Pell grant consideration only, documents may be accepted later than the stated dates. Check with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid for deadlines.

Documents submitted after the stated deadlines may not result in an award. Students submitting documents after the stated deadlines may jeopardize their opportunity to receive funding for that academic year.

How long does the verification process take?

Generally, you should allow 5-7 business days from the date your documents are received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid for processing.  Due to the large population at LSU, it is not possible to verify receipt of documentation for each student.  You may check your verification status on PAWS. Documents that have been processed are removed from the list of requested documents on your PAWS account.  In some cases, once you have submitted your documentation, additional or corrected documentation must be requested.  You will be notified by email or mail of any additional documentation or corrections needed.  Please allow up to an additional 5-7 business days for processing of the additional or re-submitted documents.

What happens after verification is complete?

Once verification is complete and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid has made any necessary corrections to your FAFSA, your financial aid eligibility is determined and you are awarded a federal financial aid award package.  For more information on how your financial aid eligibility is calculated, click here. You are notified of this award package by email, and the award may also be viewed on your PAWS account.

Note: If the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid believes they have received information/documentation that appears an individual has engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with an application for federal student aid, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Aid is required to notify the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General for investigation.