GLBA Compliance Made Simple for Higher Education
In recent years, higher education institutions have found themselves under increasing scrutiny when it comes to protecting sensitive financial data. The Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act (GLBA) Safeguards Rule—aimed initially at financial institutions—now applies to colleges and universities that process student financial aid information.
And the stakes are getting higher. The U.S. Department of Education has tightened enforcement and is actively reviewing institutions’ compliance during audits. The risks of falling short are serious: loss of Title IV funding, reputational damage, costly remediation, and possible legal implications.
The Challenge: Compliance on a Limited Budget
While compliance is critical, many higher ed institutions face a difficult reality—limited budgets and stretched IT/security teams. GLBA compliance requires a combination of governance, technical safeguards, training, and vendor oversight. Doing all of that in-house, from scratch, can quickly overwhelm resources.
The Columbia Advisory Group Approach
At Columbia Advisory Group (CAG), we’ve helped colleges and universities across the country navigate GLBA requirements efficiently and affordably. Our Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) services are tailored to the unique needs of higher education, helping institutions:
- Identify gaps in their current GLBA Safeguards Program
- Implement practical controls that satisfy regulatory requirements
- Leverage cost-effective solutions that fit budget constraints
- Reduce audit risk through ongoing compliance monitoring and reporting
We focus on scalable, results-driven solutions—never one-size-fits-all checklists. Our team understands the academic environment and works closely with leadership, IT teams, and compliance officers to deliver security that works in the real world.
Why It Matters Now
GLBA enforcement isn’t slowing down. In fact, with recent updates to the Safeguards Rule, institutions must now demonstrate ongoing compliance—not just point-in-time readiness. The sooner you address any gaps, the lower your risk of penalties, data breaches, and operational disruptions.
Partner with a Trusted Compliance Ally
With CAG, you’re not just buying compliance—you’re gaining a partner who brings deep regulatory expertise and a proven track record of helping higher ed institutions stay secure and compliant without draining budgets.
Take the first step today.
Contact us to discuss how CAG can help your institution meet GLBA obligations, protect sensitive data, and avoid costly penalties—while keeping costs under control.
Contact us to discuss how CAG can help your institution meet GLBA obligations, protect sensitive data, and avoid costly penalties—while keeping costs under control.