Why is it important for institutions to conduct an Unusual Enrollment History check?

Conducting an Unusual Enrollment History (UEH) check is crucial for institutions as it helps to guard against the misuse of Title IV funds. Title IV of the Higher Education Act provides federal financial aid to students, and ensuring that these funds are disbursed appropriately is a key responsibility of educational institutions.

When a student has an unusual enrollment history—such as numerous transfers between institutions or multiple institutions attended in a single academic year—this may indicate potential discrepancies in their eligibility for financial aid. The UEH check allows institutions to scrutinize the enrollment patterns and verify that students are not exploiting the system. This step is necessary to ensure that federal funds are being used appropriately and that students are genuinely engaged in their education. By addressing this issue, institutions can help protect their financial resources and maintain the integrity of the federal student aid programs.