What right is transferred to students when they reach the age of 18?

When a student reaches the age of 18, they gain the right to educational records, which means they are granted access to their own educational records without needing parental consent. This change reflects the belief in a young adult's capacity to manage their personal information and make independent decisions regarding their education. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides this right, allowing students to control who has access to their educational records once they turn 18, which is significant in fostering their autonomy and privacy.

While access to loan information is important for financial decisions and educational opportunities, it is not directly linked to the age of 18 in the same way that educational records are. The right to parental advice typically remains a source of support for students regardless of age, especially when they may still rely on their parents for guidance. The right to attend school without parental consent does not inherently transfer at 18 in the same framework, as students are generally allowed to attend school regardless of parental consent much earlier. The focus here is specifically on educational records, which is a central aspect of student rights upon reaching the age of majority.