Who is considered a "student" under FERPA?

The correct answer defines a "student" under FERPA as an individual who is or has been in attendance at an institution of higher education. This definition is crucial because FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and applies specifically to those who are actively engaged in post-secondary education or have been part of such an institution.

The primary context of FERPA is centered around educational institutions, primarily regarding the safeguarding and handling of student records. While individuals enrolled in high school and those in vocational training may be involved in educational activities, they fall outside the legal scope defined for the protections under FERPA, which targets higher education students. The same applies to individuals merely applying to colleges; their status as prospective students does not grant them the protections of FERPA until they are officially enrolled or have attended.