The 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, 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. The 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.