Who qualifies as an eligible student under FERPA?

An eligible student under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is defined as a student who is either 18 years of age or older or one who attends a postsecondary institution, regardless of age. This definition is important because it signifies the point at which the rights to access and control educational records are transferred from the parents to the student. Once a student reaches the age of 18, or is enrolled in a higher education institution, they gain the legal ability to make decisions regarding their educational records. This includes the right to consent to disclosures of personal information and access these records themselves. Understanding this definition is crucial in ensuring compliance with FERPA's regulations around educational privacy rights.