Recent federal regulatory changes have significantly limited the use of transcript holds for students with outstanding balances. While institutions were historically permitted under FERPA to withhold official transcripts, this practice has been largely restricted for schools that participate in Title IV federal student aid programs.

Effective July 1, 2024, under updated provisions of the Program Participation Agreement (PPA) and 34 CFR 668.14, institutions may not withhold transcripts for coursework associated with periods in which Title IV aid was received and applied. In practice, this means most students are entitled to receive their transcripts regardless of an unpaid balance.

Institutions should… >>>