Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, have reintroduced the College Transparency Act. The legislation aims to provide students and families with improved information about higher education institutions by updating how colleges report data on student outcomes such as enrollment, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings. The bill also includes measures to protect individual student privacy.

“One of the biggest choices that students and their parents can make in their lifetimes is where – or whether – to attend college,” said Senator Marshall. “In this day and age of increased job insecurity for recent graduates and young workers, students should know what they’re getting into before making that choice. I am proud to support this common-sense legislation, which equips students with vital information about institutional outcomes, enabling them to make informed choices for their future.”

Senator Cassidy stated: “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. 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.”

The bill has bipartisan support in the Senate with cosponsors including Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), and Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia).

A companion version of the bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) and Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania).

“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.”

Representative Kelly added: “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. 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.”

Further details on the full bill text are available online.