Can parents access college students' educational records under FERPA?

Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), parents generally do not have the right to access their college students' educational records without the student's consent. This is because once a student reaches the age of 18 or attends a postsecondary institution, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student. Therefore, for parents to access these records, the student must provide written consent.

This rule emphasizes the autonomy of students in higher education and aims to protect their privacy. The requirements set forth by FERPA ensure that students have control over who can view their educational information. While some exceptions exist—such as in cases of emergency or health and safety concerns—the standard process requires explicit consent from the student.