Federal Verification Through Berklee's Partner, Inceptia

Berklee has partnered with Inceptia to expedite the federal verification process for Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and Berklee Online students. Each year, some federal financial aid applicants are selected for the verification process, which requires schools to review the accuracy of the information provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Inceptia, a division of the National Student Loan Program (NSLP) and a nonprofit organization, will guide you through this federal verification process on behalf of Berklee.

Please note that some students who are not selected for verification may still need to submit documents directly to Berklee, and those students will receive detailed instructions via email.

What is federal verification?

The U.S. Department of Education or Berklee may select certain FAFSA records for a process called verification. If your FAFSA record is selected, you will need to submit additional documents, such as tax and wage information, in order to verify the accuracy of the FAFSA information and confirm your financial aid eligibility.

How does it work?

If your FAFSA application is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, you will see it in your Student Aid Report (SAR). Next, you will receive an introductory email from Inceptia at the email address you provided on the FAFSA. If you did not submit an email address, you will receive an introductory postcard. The postcard will have the Berklee logo along with Inceptia’s, so you will know it is official. You will be prompted to create an account on Inceptia’s secure website, Verification Gateway, an online portal to guide students and parents through verification.

We encourage you to begin the verification process within seven days of receiving the notification from Verification Gateway to ensure that you receive your financial aid in time for payments. Failure to complete the verification process could result in the delay or denial of your financial aid.

If you do not receive an email or postcard from Inceptia notifying you that you were selected, Berklee may still require additional information to complete your federal aid application. Please check your email regularly for any follow-up communication.

If you are selected for the verification process and receive a notification from Inceptia, please follow these steps*:

Access our unique website link: verificationgateway.org/berklee2023.
Create your account, and choose preferences for text messages and e-signatures.
Complete your Task List.
Confirm your signature, and review your information.
Sign your account.

*If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to create their own account and complete each of these steps.

Questions about the verification process?

If you are selected for federal verification and receive correspondence from Inceptia, please please contact them directly from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT, at 888-374-8427 or VGCS@inceptia.org.

If you communication from Berklee regarding documents you need to submit, please contact One Stop Student Services reachable at 617-747-6777 or onestop@berklee.edu.

Verification FAQ

Who is Inceptia?

Inceptia, a division of the National Student Loan Program (NSLP), is a nonprofit organization committed to offering effective and uncomplicated solutions in financial aid management, default prevention, and financial education. Their mission is to support schools as they launch brilliant futures for students, armed with the knowledge to become financially responsible citizens.

Who They Serve

For more than 35 years, Inceptia and NSLP have helped millions of students achieve their higher education dreams at two-year, four-year, public, private, and trade schools nationwide.

Why They Exist

Inceptia's mission is to support schools in helping students learn how to pay for college, navigate financial aid, borrow wisely, and resolve their student loan repayment challenges. They strive to illuminate a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Inceptia’s solutions are designed to support student success by helping financial aid administrators maximize resources so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development.

Learn more at Inceptia.org.

Is my information safe with Inceptia?

Yes. Inceptia handles federal financial aid verification for many colleges and universities, and it securely collects and reviews sensitive financial and student information. You can learn more on Inceptia's data security page.

Why was I selected for verification?

The U.S. Department of Education selects approximately one-third of all submitted FAFSA records for additional verification. You did nothing wrong: this is a normal process. Schools are required to collect specific documentation in order to verify that the information entered on the FAFSA is accurate.

I’m not selected, so why am I being asked for documents?

Sometimes when reviewing a file, our financial aid team may determine that additional documentation is needed to clarify or verify the FAFSA information. This is to ensure that students receive the maximum amount of federal financial aid for which they are eligible.

When will I find out if I need to submit documents?

You will receive communication from Inceptia and/or Berklee if you are selected for verification or if additional information is needed.

Who do I contact if I’m having trouble getting a document or have questions?

If you communication from Berklee regarding documents you need to submit, please contact One Stop Student Services reachable at 617-747-6777 or onestop@berklee.edu.

Connect with your
Berklee Bridge Team.