Washington § 28B.10.293 - Collection of debts — Conditions and limitations on institutions of higher education.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 28B.10.293 — Collection of debts — Conditions and limitations on institutions of higher education., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 28B.10.293. Collection of debts — Conditions and limitations on institutions of higher education.

(1) Institutions of higher education may, in the control and collection of any debt or claim due owing to it, impose reasonable financing and late charges, as well as reasonable costs and expenses incurred in the collection of such debts, if provided for in the note or agreement signed by the debtor.

(2) Institutions of higher education may not do any of the following for the purposes of debt collection, unless the debts are related to nonpayment of tuition fees, room and board fees, or financial aid funds owed:

(a) Refuse to provide an official transcript for a current or former student on the grounds that the student owes a debt;

(b) Condition the provision of an official transcript on the payment of the debt, other than a fee charged to provide the official transcript;

(c) Charge a higher fee for obtaining the official transcript, or provide less than favorable treatment of an official transcript request because a student owes a debt; or

(d) Use transcript issuance as a tool for debt collection.

(3) Institutions of higher education may not withhold a student's official transcript, regardless of debt, except the fee charged to provide an official transcript, if the official transcript is requested by a student or entity for any of the following purposes:

(a) Job applications;

(b) Transferring to another institution;

(d) Pursuit of opportunities in the military or national guard; or

(e) Pursuit of other postsecondary opportunities.

(4) Institutions of higher education may not withhold registration privileges as a debt collection tool, excluding the case of any debts related to nonpayment of tuition fees, room and board fees, or financial aid funds owed.

(5) If an institution of higher education chooses to withhold official transcripts or registration privileges as a tool for debt collection, the institution shall disclose to students through a secure portal or email and the class registration process the following at the start of each academic term:

(a) The amount of debt, if any, owed by the student to the institution;

(b) Information on payment of the debt, including who to contact to set up a payment plan; and

(6) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Debt" means any money, obligation, claim, or sum, due or owing, or alleged to be due or owing, from a student.

(b) "Financial aid funds owed" means any financial aid funds owed to the institution under Title IV, or to the state, due to miscalculation, withdrawal, misinformation, or other reason, not including standard repayment of student loans.

(d) "Room and board fees" means any money, obligation, claim, or sum, due or owing, or alleged to be due or owing, from a student for the provision of contractually agreed to on-campus housing or meal services plans.

(e) "Tuition fees" means tuition fees as defined in RCW 28B.15.020, services and activities fees as defined in RCW 28B.15.041, technology fees as defined in RCW 28B.15.051, and fees charged for nonstate funded, fee-based, self-supporting degree, certificate, or continuing education courses, or similar charges for nonpublic institutions.

[ 2020 c 281 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 18 s 1.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 28B.10.293

What does Revised Code of Washington § 28B.10.293 cover?

Section 28B.10.293 ("Collection of debts — Conditions and limitations on institutions of higher education.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 28B.10.293?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 28B.10.293" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 28B.10.293 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 28B.10.293 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.