Dear FERPA Professor,
My office received the following request from a well-known student loan servicing entity:
- Verification of Credits
- Applicability of Transferred Credits
- Participation in a Particular Program
Initially, we did not think we could provide this information since it’s not a directory. However, after looking at the exceptions, it seems like it’s okay to release/verify this information as one of the exceptions for student consent since it’s related to financial aid received.
Ms. Nellie
Dear Ms. Nellie,
This exception to FERPA's signed consent requirement, found at § 99.31(a)(4)(i)(A) in the FERPA regulations, permits institutions to disclose student education records for the purpose of determining the student's eligibility for the aid. Because the request is from a student loan servicing entity, the University would be permitted to disclose the requested student record information.
I hope this is helpful in answering your question. You can find the above cited regulation on page 160 of the 2012 AACRAO FERPA Guide.