Transcripts as non-degree seeking student

[Old Guy]

If the school can't legally give out your information without your consent (tax records are off-limits as well), where they obtain information on an unlisted school? Also, most schools aren't obligated to provide your information to the clearinghouse, so why would they risk legal trouble?

You might want to actually check a few facts. Schools WANT to use the National Student Clearinghouse to protect themselves from fraud. Note the following. It all is authorized by law.

FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):

School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.