WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced the College Transparency Act (CTA), which ensures that students and families have better information as they consider higher education opportunities. U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill made historic reforms to our broken higher education system, lowering college costs and increasing Americans’ access to quality education options,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The College Transparency Act builds on that success by empowering students and families with information to make the best college decision so they can succeed.”
“Every student deserves access to clear information about colleges and universities so they can choose a school that’s best for them, and that’s exactly what our bill would do. The College Transparency Act would make sure basic information like enrollment, transfer, and graduation rates are available to students and their families so they can make informed decisions about their futures,” said Senator Warren.
“College is one of the biggest investments a person will make in their lifetime. The College Transparency Act gives parents and students the tools they need to succeed,” said Representative Kelly. “This legislation empowers families to make the decision that is best for them, and it further sheds light on critical information families seek before beginning college.”
“Deciding where to pursue higher education is one of the most important and financially challenging choices a student and their family will face,” said Representative Krishnamoorthi. “Before making such a major investment, families deserve access to reliable and clear information about cost, success, and outcomes so they can make the best choice. I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the bipartisan College Transparency Act to ensure students and their families make the best-informed decision for their future."
The CTA modernizes the college reporting system for postsecondary data by providing accurate reporting on student outcomes such as enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings across colleges and majors, while ensuring the privacy of individual students is securely protected.
This information will give students a clear understanding of the return on investment in higher education and help them to make better decisions as to which schools and programs of study are best suited to their unique needs and desired outcomes. It will also promote better outcomes by aiding institutions of learning and policymakers in their work to improve our country’s post-secondary education system and assist businesses and other employers in finding potential employees best suited for a particular field.
Cassidy and Warren are also joined by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in cosponsoring this legislation.
The CTA is supported by AccessLex Institute, Advance CTE, Advance Illinois, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Association for Career and Technical Education, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Complete College America, Data Quality Campaign, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, EmployIndy, Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Resource Center, Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), Japanese American Citizens League, JFF, NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, National College Attainment Network, National Skills Coalition, National Tooling and Machining Association, New America's Higher Education Program, New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals, Postsecondary Education & Economics Research (PEER) Center, Precision Metalforming Association, Public Insight Data Corporation, Results for America, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, The Institute for College Access & Success, Third Way, Today's Students Coalition, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, uAspire, and Young Invincibles.
“CCA is grateful for the bi-partisan reintroduction of the College Transparency Act. This critical policy lever will enable students to make more informed decisions about their path to a college degree or credential of value. This tool will also provide policymakers with the information they need to bolster accountability across higher education institutions and systems,” said Yolanda Watson Spiva, Ph.D., President, Complete College America.
“We thank the bipartisan sponsors in the House and Senate for their leadership working to bolster transparency of higher education outcomes,” said Waded Cruzado, President, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. “Where to attend college is a critically important decision for millions of students and families each year, and they should have robust data on labor market outcomes to inform their decision. The College Transparency Act would enable exactly this kind of transparency while also helping institutions and policymakers better understand how populations of students, such as student veterans, are succeeding to ensure the promise of higher education delivers.”
“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the introduction of the College Transparency Act. This legislation will make postsecondary data available to students and employers, empowering students to make informed decisions about their education and career paths while equipping employers with the data necessary to connect with skilled talent. The College Transparency Act will strengthen our education system, enhance workforce competitiveness, and drive economic growth," said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Click here for the full bill text.
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