---
title: "FERPA & Student Records: Proper Destruction Requirements"
description: Shred old records and protect your identity. Shred America offers secure paper and electronics destruction with mobile trucks & nationwide drop-off sites.
image: https://knowledge.shredamerica.com/hubfs/ferpablog.png
---

# FERPA & Student Records: Proper Destruction Requirements

## FERPA & Student Records: Proper Destruction Requirements

Educational institutions are responsible for protecting sensitive student information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal law safeguards student education records and requires schools to take appropriate steps to prevent unauthorized access—including when records are no longer needed.

## Follow Retention Schedules

Before destroying student records, schools and universities should consult their established retention schedules. These schedules determine how long documents such as transcripts, financial aid records, disciplinary files, and enrollment forms must be kept to meet legal and institutional requirements. Records should only be destroyed once the required retention period has expired.

## Paper vs. Digital Risks

Both physical and electronic records contain sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, grades, and financial information.

- **Paper records** can be vulnerable if thrown away without secure shredding.
- **Digital records** may remain recoverable even after files are deleted unless storage devices are properly wiped or physically destroyed.

## Secure Destruction Best Practices

To remain FERPA-compliant, educational institutions should use secure destruction methods for all outdated records:

- Cross-cut shredding for paper documents
- Certified destruction of hard drives and electronic media
- Certificates of destruction for audit and compliance purposes

Proper destruction of student records helps schools reduce the risk of data breaches, protect student privacy, and maintain compliance with FERPA regulations.

Shred America has high security mobile shredding trucks that can come to you, or you can use our [ interactive map](https://shredamerica.com/findlocation) to find one of many secure drop-off locations around the country.

In any case, feel free to [contact Shred America](https://shredamerica.com/contact-us) to fulfill any of your paper or electronic destruction needs today. 

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- May 13, 2026 9:00:05 AM

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