What is the main purpose of the Unusual Enrollment History check via NSLDS?

The main purpose of the Unusual Enrollment History check via the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is to identify and prevent financial fraud. This check is specifically designed to detect patterns in a student's enrollment history that may suggest they are engaging in fraudulent behavior, such as attending multiple institutions without completing a degree or using financial aid inappropriately.

When a student's enrollment history indicates unusual activity—such as attending several schools in a short period or receiving federal student aid at multiple schools in the same academic year—the Department of Education can investigate further. This helps protect the integrity of federal student aid programs and ensures that funds are being used appropriately to support genuine educational pursuits.

The checks do not focus on academic performance, repayment plans, or residency confirmation, which are not within the scope of this particular assessment mechanism.