Who the hell really cares about her school record except the folks who pass out grants. For all we know, a judge sent her to go to school in lieu of prison. It's all about her job!
You're right, there might have been an earlier deal in which she would attend school. OTOH she might not have gone there at all.
I'm reminded of the man who murdered his wife after she found out he wasn't really in medical school. All the family and neighbors had believed his school story for years.