TITLE: Relating to a requirement that public and private institutions of higher education provide certain cost and employment opportunity data for degree programs.

SUMMARY: Relating to a requirement that public and private institutions of higher education provide certain cost and employment opportunity data for degree programs.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a requirement that public and private institutions of higher education provide certain cost and employment opportunity data for degree programs. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.9747 to read as follows: Sec. 51.9747. DEGREE PROGRAM COST AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY DATA. (a) In this section, "institution of higher education" and "private or independent institution of higher education" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003. (b) For each degree program offered by an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, the institution shall include on the institution's Internet website, in any syllabus for the degree program provided to students or prospective students, and in any marketing or other promotional materials used by the institution for the degree program, a data-based estimate of: (1) the total cost to a student for the degree program, including a description of the historical costs to students for the degree program; (2) the calendar time for completing the degree program, including historical data for that information; and (3) the employment opportunities available to, and associated returns on a student's investment of money in the degree program by, students who complete the degree program, including historical data for that information. (c) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may adopt rules as necessary for the administration of this section. SECTION 2. Each institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education shall comply with Section 51.9747, Education Code, as added by this Act, as soon as practicable following the effective date of this Act, but not later than April 1, 2018. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.