Can students access their education records if they have outstanding debts to the institution?

The correct answer highlights that under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), students have the right to access their education records, and this right is not contingent upon their financial obligations to the institution. FERPA ensures that students can review their records to confirm accuracy and address any discrepancies, which is a fundamental component of their educational rights. This means that even if a student has outstanding debts, they are entitled to access their education records without any restrictions related to their financial status.

This principle supports the broader regulatory intent of FERPA to maintain transparency and uphold students' rights to their educational information, ensuring that financial issues do not impede access to important academic records. Consequently, it reinforces the importance of educational equity and student rights in accessing personal information maintained by educational institutions.