Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Federal Bill Targets Ghost Students as Minnesota Finds 7,700 Fakes

6/16/2026

38 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Federal lawmakers advanced a bill to flag colleges enrolling ghost students and allow audits, pending Senate approval.
Minnesota State identified over 7,700 suspected ghost students for 2024-2025 and removed them from its rolls.
It received $3 million for identity verification, while the Department of Education estimates the fraud cost Minnesota taxpayers $12.5 million.
Open-enrollment policies make community colleges especially vulnerable.

1 of 1

Story summary

Federal lawmakers advanced a bill to flag colleges enrolling ghost students and allow audits, pending Senate approval.
Minnesota State identified over 7,700 suspected ghost students for 2024-2025 and removed them from its rolls.
It received $3 million for identity verification, while the Department of Education estimates the fraud cost Minnesota taxpayers $12.5 million.
Open-enrollment policies make community colleges especially vulnerable.