Many high school students are announcing college decisions, but the growing issue of ghost student fraud threatens the integrity of enrollment and financial aid distribution. The Clearinghouse’s new Sentinel 360SM platform helps colleges detect suspicious enrollment patterns early ─ before aid is disbursed ─ by analyzing data across its national network of institutions.
More students are pursuing flexible, nonlinear paths through higher education by building on earlier credentials, returning to school, and changing fields of study, according to the latest Undergraduate Degree Earners report. Associate degrees remain the most common stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree, while certificate holders often continue on to associate programs. The findings also show that major changes are common, especially in STEM, as learners adapt their education to evolving career goals and opportunities.
Educational organizations can play a critical role in helping learners move forward, and yet one persistent challenge remains: obtaining official transcripts quickly and securely. That’s why the National Student Clearinghouse developed Third-Party Ordering for Educational Organizations.
Check out the live webinars available from the Clearinghouse Academy in June 2026
The DiplomaVerify network has over 9,000 participating high schools with participation in 47 states. These unique and extensive connections with secondary institutions nationwide have helped make the Clearinghouse a trusted source for educational verifications for employers.