Collection and Use of Social Security Numbers

Carolina University collects and uses your Social Security Number (SSN) only to perform the duties and responsibilities of the University. To protect your identity, CU will maintain the privacy of your SSN and never release it to unauthorized parties in compliance with state and federal laws. CU assigns you a unique student identification number which is used for associated educational purposes.

As general examples, Carolina University may collect and/or use your SSN for the following purposes:

Admissions and Registration

Purpose

  • Federal legislation relating to the Hope Tax Credit requires that all postsecondary institutions report student SSNs to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This IRS requirement makes it necessary for CU to collect the SSN of every student. A student may refuse to disclose his/her SSN for this purpose, but he/she may be subject to IRS penalties.
  • SSNs may appear on official transcripts that are used for business purposes in accordance with parameters outlined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Regulation

  • Hope/Lifetime Tax Credit uses are authorized by 26 USC 6050S and Federal Register, June 16, 2000/IRC Section 25A
  • Issuance of Form 1098T for tuition payment reports are authorized by 26 USC 3402, 6051

Financial Aid

Purpose

  • The Financial Aid Office uses SSNs in the application process for determining eligibility for financial aid such as grants, loans, work assistance programs and scholarships.
  • The SSNs are used to identify students by the U.S. Department of Education. Each student must report his/her SSN on the FAFSA. If a SSN is not provided, the FAFSA will not be processed.

Federal Regulation

  • Collection uses are required by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (§§483 and 484); 20 USC 1078, 1090, 1091 & 1092
  • Also required by 34 CFR 668 for administrative usages (16), for residency verification usages (33), for FAFSA verification usages (36), and Federal Work Study usages (32, 36)

Veteran Administration Benefits

Purpose

  • The SSN is required for enrollment verification and reporting for all Veterans Administration beneficiaries.
  • A Veteran student is required to report his/her SSN in order to receive the appropriate benefits and for tracking purposes.

Federal Regulation

  • Required by 38 USC 3471