Under what circumstance can a college deny parental access to a student's records?

The correct circumstance under which a college can deny parental access to a student's records is when there is a legally binding document restricting access. This could include situations where the student has provided specific instructions or entered into an agreement that limits parental access to their educational records.

Under FERPA, students have the right to control who can access their educational records once they reach the age of 18 or begin attending a postsecondary institution. If a legally binding document, such as a court order or a specific waiver signed by the student, restricts parental access, the institution must comply with those stipulations. This ensures that the privacy rights of the student are upheld in accordance with FERPA regulations.

The other options do not provide valid grounds for denying access. For example, financial independence does not affect parental rights to access records, and the mere absence of a request does not imply a denial of access. Additionally, students younger than 18 still have certain rights under FERPA, which usually allow their parents access to records unless the student has enrolled in a postsecondary institution, at which point the rights transfer to the student.