Sending a child off to college for the first time can be difficult for many parents.

Having the right to their child's grade information in college may prove even more difficult to some parents.

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), colleges and universities are not required to release a student's grade information to any third party without the written consent of that student.

In some instances the information is withheld, even if the student is financially dependent on a parent or guardian.

"Law does not require any institution to release this information," said Elliot Baker, registrar at Slippery Rock University. "However, options such as a student-signed release can provide written permission to release grades to parents."

FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the United States Department of Education.

However, under this law, schools may disclose information deemed as "directory" without the consent of the student. Directory information includes a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors, awards and dates of attendance.

"Directory information will not prejudice anyone against the student," Baker said. "Therefore there is no relative harm in releasing this information to the public."

Students commuting to classes while living at their parent's home during their college career share the same rights as any other student, including privacy of their records.

"Many of our students still live at home, so when a parent sees an envelope from the college they may intercede their child's mail," said Ruth Scott, registrar at Butler County Community College. "However, it is addressed to the student and the information is meant only for them."

Parents who are frustrated with the idea that paying the tuition for their child's education does not entitle them to view the progress their child is making are left with one option.

Although law does not require them to, certain institutions will release a student's grade information if a parent or guardian can provide documentation proving the student's dependency.

"If a parent presents us with this information and the student is in fact dependent, we will provide that parent with a transcript," Scott said.