If you’re worried that your school mishandled your student loan information, you may have the right to file a complaint under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal law protects student records and ensures schools handle private information properly. But how do you actually file a complaint, and what happens after? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who Can File a Complaint?
Not everyone can file a FERPA complaint. The law applies to two groups:
- Parents: If the student is under 18 and has not attended a postsecondary institution, parents have the right to file a complaint.
- Students: Once a student turns 18 or enrolls in college, they gain full control over their educational records and must file the complaint themselves.
This means that if you’re a college student, your parents cannot file on your behalf.
Steps to Take Before Filing a Complaint
Before jumping into a formal complaint, consider these steps:
- Understand Your Rights – Review FERPA’s guidelines to make sure your situation qualifies.
- Talk to Your School – While not required, it’s a good idea to first contact your school and try to resolve the issue directly. Some problems can be fixed without going through the formal complaint process.
For complaints related to the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) (which deals with student surveys and certain parental rights), reaching out to the school first is required before filing.
How to File a FERPA Complaint
If you’re ready to move forward, follow these steps:
- Submit within 180 days – You must file your complaint within six months of the alleged violation or from the date you became aware of it.
- Provide all necessary details – Your complaint should be clear, specific, and explain why you believe your rights were violated.
- Send it to the right place – Complaints must be submitted in writing to the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO).
Here’s where to send it:
📩 Email: [email protected]
📮 Mail:
U.S. Department of Education
Student Privacy Policy Office
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20202-8520
What Happens After You File?
Once your complaint is submitted, the SPPO will review it to determine if it falls under FERPA. If they find enough evidence, they will launch an investigation and communicate with both you and the school involved.
While the SPPO can take action against institutions that fail to comply with FERPA, including withholding federal funding, keep in mind that FERPA does not allow individuals to sue for damages. The government handles enforcement, but you won’t get financial compensation from filing a complaint.
Key Takeaways
- Only students (18+) or parents (for minors) can file a complaint.
- Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the violation.
- The complaint must be in writing and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.
- FERPA violations are enforced by the SPPO, not private lawsuits.
If you suspect a privacy violation regarding your student loan information, knowing your FERPA rights and acting quickly can help you get justice.
