A college may generally withhold a transcript if the student is currently in arrears for any tuition or other amounts owed the school. You would not be likely to prevail if you sued the school for the transcript (a lawsuit is the only way to force them to do this if they refuse) and in any event, given the time a lawsuit can take, it would likely take too long. You may be best served by getting the money to pay the college the balance, even if you need to borrow it.