Which type of institutions are typically exempt from FERPA regulations?

The correct answer highlights that private institutions not receiving federal funding are typically exempt from FERPA regulations. FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, primarily applies to educational institutions that receive federal funds. The legislation is designed to protect the privacy of student education records, ensuring that students have rights regarding who can access and disclose their information.

Private institutions that do not receive federal funding are not subject to these regulations because the law's requirements are tied to the acceptance of federal financial assistance. Therefore, while many private colleges and universities that receive federal funds must comply with FERPA, those that do not accept such funding are not held to the same standards regarding student record privacy. This distinction is essential for understanding the applicability of FERPA and the protections it enforces for students' educational records.

In contrast, other institutions like public universities that receive state funding or community colleges typically receive federal funding as well, thereby obligating them to adhere to FERPA regulations.