At what age do students assume the rights previously held by their parents under FERPA?

Under FERPA, students assume the rights previously held by their parents when they reach the age of 18. This transition signifies that individuals who are 18 years of age or older are considered "eligible students" and have the authority to make decisions regarding their own educational records. This includes rights such as accessing their records, requesting corrections, and controlling the disclosure of information from those records. Prior to this age, parents or guardians have the rights to access and control their child's educational records. This provision empowers students as they transition into adulthood, emphasizing their ability to manage their personal information in an educational setting.