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PTAC provides timely information and updated guidance through a variety of resources, including training materials and opportunities to receive direct assistance with privacy, security, and confidentiality of student data systems. More PTAC information is available at [https://studentprivacy.ed.gov](https://studentprivacy.ed.gov. PTAC)[. PTAC](https://studentprivacy.ed.gov. PTAC)[ ](https://studentprivacy.ed.gov. PTAC)welcomes input on this document and suggestions for future technical assistance resources relating to student privacy. Comments and suggestions can be sent to [PrivacyTA@ed.gov](PrivacyTA@ed.gov).  \nPurpose and Scope  \nThe Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has received an increasing number of questions from postsecondary educational institutions (institutions) on the conditions under which federal student financial aid information may be used for program evaluation and research purposes. Numerous federal laws govern access to, disclosure of, and use of student financial aid information, including, but not limited to: Section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly referred to as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act [ FERPA]); the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA); and the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (Privacy Act) . As the interplay of these various laws in different situations can be complex, in addition to the following discussion, this document provides some questions and answers about possible situations in which student financial aid information may, or may not, be used for these purposes.  \nThe scope of this document is limited to legal requirements and restrictions under federal statutes and regulations. Additional state or local laws may also apply, and institutions are encouraged to consult with their legal counsel before undertaking any data sharing or data use activities involving student data or student financial aid information.  \nIt is important to note that this document discusses data sharing and disclosures of student financial aid information that are permissible under federal law. Institutions have a responsibility to safeguard the sensitive personal information entrusted to them, and compliance with the law is only the beginning of that process. Before considering any of the disclosures discussed in this document, institutions should evaluate the impact that the disclosure may have on students’ privacy. Similarly, when sharing data with authorized third parties, institutions should only disclose the minimum amount of information necessary to accomplish the intended objectives. For more information, see PTAC’s resources on data minimization best practices, available at [https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources](https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources).  \nTypes of Financial Aid Data  \nInstitutions have different types of student financial aid information, some of which are provided to the institution by the U.S. Department of Education (the Department), some of which are directly obtained from students, and some of which are created by the institution. Different federal laws may impact institutions’ use of this information, depending on the source of the data and whether personally identifiable information (PII) has been properly de-identified.  \nPI I is information that can be used to identify an individual. FERPA’s definition of PII includes any information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the school community to identify the student with reasonable certainty.1 If PII has been su","cbCaiobDqcyP80P4","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaiobDqcyP80P4","pdf",419626,11,"English","# Purpose and Scope\n## Types of Financial Aid Data\n## National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)\n## Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Institutional Student Information Reco","[{\"question\":\"What is the purpose of this guidance on student financial aid information?\",\"answer\":\"It addresses questions about possible situations in which student financial aid information may, or may not, be used for program evaluation and research purposes.\"},{\"question\":\"Does the guidance cover state or local laws?\",\"answer\":\"No. Its scope is limited to federal statutes and regulations; additional state or local laws may apply, and institutions are encouraged to consult legal counsel.\"},{\"question\":\"What does the document require regarding privacy and disclosure practices?\",\"answer\":\"Institutions should evaluate the privacy impact of any disclosure, safeguard sensitive personal information, and share only the minimum amount of information necessary to accomplish intended objectives.\"}]","Guidance on the Use of Financial Aid Information for Program Evaluation and Research - About PTAC | PDF",1792057939,28]