What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law enacted in 1974 that protects the privacy of student education records in the United States. It applies to all educational institutions that receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education, including public schools, colleges, and universities.
FERPA grants parents specific rights over their children’s education records, such as the right to access, review, and request corrections. Once a student turns 18 or enrolls in a postsecondary institution, these rights transfer directly to the student.
At its core, FERPA is about ensuring students and parents retain control over who can access or share personal academic information, and under what conditions.
Why FERPA Matters: Key Benefits
FERPA serves as a foundational privacy law in the education sector, with benefits that extend to students, families, and institutions:
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Protects student identity and personal information
FERPA restricts the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data such as grades, disciplinary records, and social security numbers. -
Empowers families and students
It ensures transparency by allowing access to academic records and the ability to request corrections when necessary. -
Fosters trust in educational institutions
By complying with FERPA, schools demonstrate a commitment to privacy and responsible data stewardship. -
Reduces the risk of data misuse or exposure
Clear guidelines minimize accidental leaks or breaches, helping institutions maintain compliance and avoid reputational harm.
The Role of FERPA in Today’s Education Landscape
In an era of cloud-based tools, student portals, learning management systems, and digital transcripts, FERPA’s relevance has only grown. It acts as a guardrail for how data is handled, shared, and stored within increasingly complex education ecosystems.
Without FERPA, institutions would lack a standardized framework for protecting student records, leading to inconsistent practices, privacy risks, and potential legal issues.
Additionally, FERPA compliance is often a prerequisite for participating in federal education programs, funding opportunities, and vendor partnerships. It’s not just a legal requirement—it’s a mark of credibility.
FERPA Compliance Best Practices for Institutions
To remain compliant and mitigate risk, educational institutions should adopt these essential practices:
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Train staff and faculty regularly
Awareness is the first line of defense. Ensure all personnel handling student data understand FERPA rules and reporting obligations. -
Define “education records” clearly
FERPA applies broadly, so schools should maintain a well-documented classification of what counts as protected data. -
Secure digital and physical records
Implement access controls, encryption, and audit trails for all systems storing student information. -
Review third-party contracts
Any vendors handling student data must comply with FERPA. Always include privacy clauses in agreements and vet providers carefully. -
Create a process for handling record access requests
Institutions must respond to student or parent requests within 45 days. A clear, documented process streamlines this obligation. -
Maintain a directory information policy
FERPA allows schools to disclose limited information (like name and email) unless a student opts out. Communicating this policy is crucial.
FERPA isn’t just a regulatory box to check—it’s a foundational element of trust between students, families, and educational institutions. In a world where data flows freely across platforms and borders, protecting student information isn’t optional—it’s imperative.
By embedding FERPA compliance into policies, technologies, and day-to-day operations, schools and universities can not only meet legal requirements but also lead with integrity. And in doing so, they reinforce their commitment to privacy, transparency, and student empowerment.