Education law is comprised of a vast system of overlapping federal and local statutes.  This page is designed to provide researchers with information about federal higher education laws.  Researchers seeking information about higher education statutes from state jurisdictions should look to the tab entitled "Higher Education: Local Resources."  Similarly, researchers seeking information about local education laws and regulations should consult the appropriate local codes. Most education law is governed at the state level and the federal government has a limited role in education policy. 

Many federal agencies and offices regulate various aspects of public education in the United States.  Below, researchers will find links to a broad sampling of these agencies and offices.  Each website contains links to federal statutes, regulations, guidance documents, and/or additional commentary on public education.

Below, researchers will find a list of leading federal education laws that concern higher education.  (Note: To access information about federal statutes relating to special education services, at the primary, secondary, and higher education levels, refer to the "Special Education" tab.)  For more specific information about each statute, use the citation information to access the entirety of the statute in a code compilation or click on the hyperlinks for unofficial versions of the statute.

1. Higher Education Act of 1965, Pub. L. No. 89-329, 79 Stat. 1219 (codified as amended in scattered sections of 20 U.S.C. and 42 U.S.C.).
2. Higher Education Opportunity Act, Pub. L. No. 110-315, 122 Stat. 3078 (2008) (codified as amended in scattered sections of 20 U.S.C.).
3. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99

The Department of Education has a website with Laws & Guidance related to education and higher education policy. 

Regulations - CFR Title 34

DOE regulations are codified in Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Regulations related to colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions are located in Chapter VI. 

Administrative Guidance

• Department of Education Guidance Documents
• DOE Policy Letters