If the debt was to the school itself, then you would of course be able to go to another school. But the same school? You're probably going to have to figure out a way to settle that debt before you can go back.

Think of it like a credit card - there are lenders out there that will blacklist you if your burn them. Amex is one. If I'm a University, and you have owed me money for a decade, I have every right to want that money if you intend to re-enroll.