Home /
Frequently Asked Questions /
What is a ghost student in higher education?
Ghosts Students

What is a ghost student in higher education?

A ghost student is an applicant or enrolled student who does not actually exist as a real learner, typically a synthetic or stolen identity used to fraudulently obtain financial aid, transcripts, or other institutional benefits. Ghost students often share addresses, IP addresses, or bank accounts with other suspicious accounts, and they rarely engage with coursework after enrollment.

New to Sentinel 360 terminology?

Browse our glossary for quick, plain-language definitions of key terms related to enrollment integrity, student aid program integrity, and financial aid fraud risk.

View the Glossary

Take a Closer Look at What You Cannot See Alone

See how to put Sentinel 360 to work across your campus.
Talk with a Trusted Advisor