Catalog Rights refers to an institutional policy that allows students to complete an academic program under the degree requirements that were in effect when they entered the institution, declared a major, or otherwise became subject to a particular academic catalog, provided they meet the institution's requirements for maintaining those rights (such as continuous enrollment).

Catalog Year refers to the specific edition or academic year of a college or university catalog that governs a student's academic requirements. A student's catalog year establishes the curriculum, degree requirements, and academic policies that generally remain in effect throughout the student's program unless the student chooses or is required to adopt a newer catalog.

Catalog rights are intended to provide academic continuity and fairness by protecting students from changes to graduation requirements after they begin a program. Catalog rights generally do not apply to tuition, fees, or other institutional charges, which colleges and universities may change according to institutional policy unless they offer a guaranteed tuition program or similar pricing policy.

For example, a student who begins a bachelor's degree under the 2026–2027 catalog may be allowed to graduate under those degree requirements even if the institution later changes its curriculum or general education requirements. However, unless the institution guarantees tuition, the student's tuition and fees may increase during enrollment.

These terms are most commonly used in the United States. However, many higher education systems globally have comparable policies that allow students to complete programs under the academic requirements in effect when they began their studies.

• In Canada, institutions commonly refer to the academic calendar.
• In the United Kingdom, students typically follow the program regulations or student handbook that apply when they enter a program.
• Universities in Australia and New Zealand often use the terms course handbook or handbook year.
• Across much of Europe, institutions generally provide transition arrangements that allow students to complete their programs under earlier curriculum requirements when major changes are introduced.

Although the terminology and legal framework vary, the underlying principle of providing continuity and fairness for students is widely recognized globally.