Pop Quiz – Can Schools Roll Over the Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose Document Each Year?

Scenario:

A student was selected under the V4 group for verification in the previous year. The student is selected for V4 verification again this year. Can the school "roll over" the identity and Statement of Educational Purpose document from the previous year?

Answer:

No. The student must submit documentation of identity/Statement of Educational Purpose each year it is requested, generally, via the verification process. Each time a student files a FAFSA for the new award year, the student also signs the Statement of Educational Purpose. The identity piece is to verify the student is the person who signed the FAFSA and the Statement of Educational Purpose. Essentially, this is put in place to combat fraud and is award year-specific.

Student Aid Reference Desk:

For additional information, try the Student Aid Reference Desk. It is a central hub of all the important financial aid resources you need with direct links to legislation, regulation, Dear Colleague Letters, and other ED and NASFAA references. It is updated on a rolling basis with the latest news and changes. Search Verification.

Publication Date: 5/24/2021

Sharon C | 5/25/2021 10:7:51 AM

I agree that it doesn't make sense. If they've already given us their high school transcript and drivers license last year then those will stay the same. Asking them to sign the paper again doesn't make sense.

James C | 5/24/2021 9:33:39 AM

This is the dumbest requirement of all time. Who isn't going to sign off on a statement of purpose and who isn't going to have a copy of a photo ID? Answer: No one on planet Earth. Talk about undue burdens! Is this what the Dept of Education wants us to spend our time on?

You must be logged in to comment on this page.

Comments Disclaimer: NASFAA welcomes and encourages readers to comment and engage in respectful conversation about the content posted here. We value thoughtful, polite, and concise comments that reflect a variety of views. Comments are not moderated by NASFAA but are reviewed periodically by staff. Users should not expect real-time responses from NASFAA. To learn more, please view NASFAA’s complete Comments Policy.

LOG IN

ADD TO FAVORITES

Pop Quiz – Can Schools Roll Over the Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose Document Each Year?

Scenario:

Answer:

Student Aid Reference Desk:

Related Content