Guidelines to prevent fraud and abuse in the government's student aid programs are presented for schools, lenders, and guarantee agencies. Student aid fraud is defined as intentional wrongful obtaining of student financial assistance (SFA) benefits through deceptive means. It is noted that falsification of eligibility is the most common form of…

Describes the varied kinds of student aid fraud found to be occurring within and outside colleges and universities, and examines implications for public policy on student aid programs. Discusses specific fraud cases and their outcomes, and makes suggestions for institutional action if student fraud is suspected. (MSE)