SecurePointEducation

OFAC Screening for Schools

Why schools must screen against OFAC sanctions lists

OFAC enforcement applies to educational institutions. Schools that accept tuition, donations, or research funding without screening face civil penalties — even for unintentional violations.

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OFAC Enforcement

$1.72M: the cost of not screening

IMG Academy settled 89 violations for accepting tuition from SDN-listed individuals. OFAC found the school never screened — despite names being publicly available on the SDN list.

$1.72MSettlement amount
89Apparent violations
0Screenings the school performed
$1.72MSettlement amount
89Apparent violations
0Screenings the school performed

Why Schools Are at Risk

Education is now an OFAC enforcement target

Schools process tuition, donations, and grants from international sources — the same transaction types OFAC monitors in financial institutions.

Strict liability

Strict liability

OFAC penalties apply regardless of intent. Schools can be fined even if they had no knowledge that a payor was sanctioned.

Publicly available lists

Publicly available lists

The SDN list is free and publicly accessible. OFAC expects institutions to check it. Failure to do so constitutes "reckless disregard."

International money flows

International money flows

Schools accepting tuition from international payors, foreign donors, or overseas sponsors are engaging in the same transaction types OFAC regulates.

Growing regulatory attention

Growing regulatory attention

NAIS and NBOA have issued guidance recommending sanctions screening programs for independent schools and universities.

Board and fiduciary exposure

Board and fiduciary exposure

School boards and officers may face personal liability if the institution lacks a reasonable compliance program.

Reputational risk

Reputational risk

OFAC enforcement actions are public. A settlement can damage enrollment, fundraising, and institutional reputation.

SecurePoint Education screening detail showing OFAC match results with 97% confidence, source list citations, and review guidance

Built for Schools

Screening that fits your enrollment workflow

SecurePoint Education integrates screening into your existing enrollment and finance processes — no IT buildout required.

  • Screen students, payors, and sponsors individually or in bulk
  • Automated re-screening when sanctions lists are updated
  • AI-assisted match review with confidence scoring
  • Evidence packs document every screening and decision

Related Solutions

Build a complete education compliance program

Tuition Payor Screening

Screen parents, guardians, sponsors, and third-party tuition payors — not just the enrolled student.

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Sponsor & Donor Screening

Due diligence for scholarships, grants, endowments, and institutional donors.

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Continuous Monitoring

Automated re-screening when sanctions lists are updated. Alerts when a screened party's status changes.

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Evidence Packs

Audit-ready documentation for every screening decision. Exportable PDF evidence packs for regulators.

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OFAC Licensing Paths

A sanctions flag doesn't always mean lost tuition. Explore General and Specific License options.

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Blackbaud & Flywire Compliance

Your SIS and payment processor don't screen for OFAC. SecurePoint adds the missing compliance layer.

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Screening International Students

How to screen international students, financial guarantors, and exchange participants for OFAC sanctions.

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OFAC screening for schools — FAQ

Common questions about OFAC sanctions compliance for educational institutions.

Start screening before the next enforcement action

Most schools are live within 48 hours. No IT integration required.

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