The world of higher education is facing a new challenge in the age of AI: ghost students and fraud squads. These are not the mythical creatures of folklore, but rather a growing issue in the admissions process. Scammers and AI bots are using stolen or fake identities to enroll in online classes and steal financial aid, creating a ripple effect that affects real students and the integrity of the admissions process.
The use of AI is forcing colleges to become more vigilant in their admission processes. Point Park University, for example, has seen a rise in applications submitted within seconds of each other, raising red flags. Marlin Collingwood, vice president of enrollment management, says that when students can't be reached for a video call or when multiple applications come from the same IP address, it's a sign that something is amiss. While the issue of ghost students hasn't been overwhelming at Point Park, it's a growing trend nationally.
The U.S. Department of Education has taken steps to combat fraud, rolling out real-time detection efforts on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Since then, they've rejected over 53,000 fraudulent FAFSAs, prevented $212 million in aid payments, and identified $1 billion in fraudulent applications for the 2026-27 cycle. Ghost students often sign up for online classes, which can leave real students waiting for seats.
Duquesne University has also had to deal with the issue of AI-generated applications. Joel Bauman, vice president of enrollment management, says that while it's still rare, the university has had to withdraw admission offers when applications are tainted. The improper use of AI can lead to misrepresentation, false information, or other actions that compromise the integrity of the admissions process. This has consequences, with Duquesne rescinding approximately six admissions offers last year and 16 this year among roughly 13,000 admitted students.
The California Institute of Technology, with an acceptance rate of 2.6%, created a 'fraud squad' in the admissions office to closely double-check every aspect of the application. La Roche University uses communications management software to identify inconsistencies or unusual patterns in applications, and admissions counselors review applications individually to look for discrepancies. While these measures are in place, the impact of AI and application fraud is still a growing concern.
Point Park has launched an AI chatbot to field admissions questions from potential students, with over 75% of students wanting to talk with it. However, the use of AI in admissions is a balancing act of ethics, fairness, authenticity, and accountability. Bauman believes that technology should support human judgment, not replace it. The challenge is to embrace innovation while preserving trust, fairness, and authenticity in the final and official admissions process.
As AI continues to evolve, the higher education sector must adapt to ensure a fair and honest admissions process. The battle against ghost students and fraud squads is far from over, but with increased vigilance and innovative solutions, colleges can protect the integrity of their admissions and support the students who rely on them.
