Is a school required to verify a student's incarceration status?

A school is not required to verify a student's incarceration status unless there is conflicting information that needs resolution. Verification is a process used to confirm the accuracy of information provided by a student on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In cases where a student's reported status raises questions or discrepancies in their application, such as potential ineligibility due to incarceration, the school must take steps to clarify those issues. However, if the application is clear and there are no conflicting details, there is no obligation for the institution to verify the incarceration status. This approach balances the need to ensure eligibility for federal student aid while also respecting students' privacy and circumstances when their applications pose no clarity issues.