An Eligible Student Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Authored By: U.S. Department of Education
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of postsecondary education at any age, the student becomes an “eligible student,” and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student. This guide provides general information on an eligible student’s rights under FERPA. (2023)
Link: studentprivacy.ed.gov
Last Review and Update: Feb 18, 2026