Fees and Fee Categories

Introduction
Upon receiving a FOIA request, an agency will place the requester in one of three “fee categories” based on the or the nature of the requester. Depending on the category, requesters may be charged search, duplication, and/or review fees. A requester will not be charged if they are granted a fee waiver.

Non-commercial media and educational/scientific requesters
Students, as well as teachers in educational institutions, qualify for reduced fees under § 552 (a)(4)(A)(ii)(II). According to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, "Students who make FOIA requests to further their coursework or other school-sponsored activities are eligible for reduced fees under FOIA because students, like teachers, are part of an educational institution."