59–006 

114TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 114–674 

STRENGTHENING TRANSPARENCY IN HIGHER 

EDUCATION ACT 

JULY 11, 2016.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. KLINE, from the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 3178] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Education and the Workforce, to whom was 

referred the bill (H.R. 3178) to simplify and streamline the information regarding institutions of higher education made publicly 

available by the Secretary of Education, and for other purposes, 

having considered the same, report favorably thereon with an 

amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. 

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education 

Act’’. 

SEC. 2. COLLEGE DASHBOARD WEBSITE. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Section 132 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 

1015a) is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a)— 

(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘first-time,’’; 

(B) in paragraph (3) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘first-time,’’; and 

(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘first-time,’’; 

(2) in subsection (b)— 

(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘first-time,’’; and 

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘first-time,’’; 

(3) by striking subsections (c) through (g), (j), and (l); 

(4) by redesignating subsections (h), (i), and (k) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), 

respectively; and 

(5) by striking subsection (d) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following 

new subsection: 

‘‘(d) CONSUMER INFORMATION.— 


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‘‘(1) AVAILABILITY OF TITLE IV INSTITUTION INFORMATION.—The Secretary shall 

develop and make publicly available a website to be known as the ‘College 

Dashboard website’ in accordance with this section and prominently display on 

such website, in simple, understandable, and unbiased terms for the most recent academic year for which satisfactory data are available, the following information with respect to each institution of higher education that participates in 

a program under title IV: 

‘‘(A) A link to the website of the institution. 

‘‘(B) An identification of the type of institution as one of the following: 

‘‘(i) A four-year public institution of higher education. 

‘‘(ii) A four-year private, nonprofit institution of higher education. 

‘‘(iii) A four-year private, for-profit institution of higher education. 

‘‘(iv) A two-year public institution of higher education. 

‘‘(v) A two-year private, nonprofit institution of higher education. 

‘‘(vi) A two-year private, for-profit institution of higher education. 

‘‘(vii) A less than two-year public institution of higher education. 

‘‘(viii) A less than two-year private, nonprofit institution of higher 

education. 

‘‘(ix) A less than two-year private, for-profit institution of higher education. 

‘‘(C) The number of students enrolled at the institution— 

‘‘(i) as undergraduate students; and 

‘‘(ii) as graduate students, if applicable. 

‘‘(D) The student-faculty ratio. 

‘‘(E) The percentage of degree-seeking or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within— 

‘‘(i) 100 percent of the normal time for completion of, or graduation 

from, the program in which the student is enrolled; 

‘‘(ii) 150 percent of the normal time for completion of, or graduation 

from, the program in which the student is enrolled; and 

‘‘(iii) 200 percent of the normal time for completion of, or graduation 

from, the program in which the student is enrolled. 

‘‘(F) The average net price per year for undergraduate students receiving 

Federal student financial aid under title IV based on an income category 

selected by the user from a list containing the following income categories: 

‘‘(i) $0 to $30,000. 

‘‘(ii) $30,001 to $48,000. 

‘‘(iii) $48,001 to $75,000. 

‘‘(iv) $75,001 to $110,000. 

‘‘(v) $110,001 to $150,000. 

‘‘(vi) Over $150,000. 

‘‘(G) A link to the net price calculator for such institution. 

‘‘(H) The percentage of undergraduate students who obtained a certificate 

or degree from the institution who borrowed Federal student loans under 

title IV, and the average Federal student loan debt incurred by an undergraduate student who obtained a certificate or degree from the institution 

and borrowed Federal student loans under title IV in the course of obtaining such certificate or degree. 

‘‘(I) A link to national and regional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on starting salaries in all major occupations. 

‘‘(J) A link to the webpage of the institution containing campus safety 

data with respect to such institution. 

‘‘(2) OTHER INFORMATION.—The Secretary shall publish on Internet webpages 

that are linked to through the College Dashboard website for the most recent 

academic year for which satisfactory data is available the following information 

with respect to each institution of higher education that participates in a program under title IV: 

‘‘(A) ENROLLMENT.— 

‘‘(i) The percentages of male and female undergraduate students enrolled at the institution. 

‘‘(ii) The percentages of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution— 

‘‘(I) full-time; and 

‘‘(II) less than full-time. 

‘‘(iii) In the case of an institution other than an institution that provides all courses and programs through distance education, of the undergraduate students enrolled at the institution— 


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‘‘(I) the percentage of such students who are from the State in 

which the institution is located; 

‘‘(II) the percentage of such students who are from other States; 

and 

‘‘(III) the percentage of such students who are international students. 

‘‘(iv) The percentages of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution, disaggregated by— 

‘‘(I) race and ethnic background; 

‘‘(II) classification as a student with a disability; 

‘‘(III) recipients of a Federal Pell Grant; 

‘‘(IV) recipients of assistance under a tuition assistance program 

conducted by the Department of Defense under section 1784a or 

2007 of title 10, United States Code, or other authorities available 

to the Department of Defense or veterans’ education benefits (as 

defined in section 480); and 

‘‘(V) recipients of a Federal student loan under title IV. 

‘‘(B) COMPLETION.—The information required under paragraph (1)(E), 

disaggregated by— 

‘‘(i) recipients of a Federal Pell Grant; 

‘‘(ii) recipients of a loan made under part D of title IV (other than 

a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan) who did not receive a 

Federal Pell Grant; 

‘‘(iii) individuals who did not receive a Federal Pell Grant or a loan 

made under part D of title IV (other than a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan); 

‘‘(iv) race and ethnic background; 

‘‘(v) classification as a student with a disability; and 

‘‘(vi) recipients of assistance under a tuition assistance program conducted by the Department of Defense under section 1784a or 2007 of 

title 10, United States Code, or other authorities available to the Department of Defense or veterans’ education benefits (as defined in section 480). 

‘‘(C) COSTS.— 

‘‘(i) The cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the institution who live on campus. 

‘‘(ii) The cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the institution who live off campus. 

‘‘(iii) The cost of tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students 

enrolled in the institution. 

‘‘(iv) The cost of tuition and fees per credit hour or credit hour 

equivalency for undergraduate students enrolled in the institution less 

than full time. 

‘‘(v) In the case of a public institution of higher education (other than 

an institution described in clause (vi)) and notwithstanding subsection 

(b)(1), the costs described in clauses (i) and (ii) for— 

‘‘(I) full-time students enrolled in the institution who are residents of the State in which the institution is located; and 

‘‘(II) full-time students enrolled in the institution who are not 

residents of such State. 

‘‘(vi) In the case of a public institution of higher education that offers 

different tuition rates for students who are residents of a geographic 

subdivision smaller than a State and students not located in such geographic subdivision and notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), the costs described in clauses (i) and (ii) for— 

‘‘(I) full-time students enrolled at the institution who are residents of such geographic subdivision; 

‘‘(II) full-time students enrolled at the institution who are residents of the State in which the institution is located but not residents of such geographic subdivision; and 

‘‘(III) full-time students enrolled at the institution who are not 

residents of such State. 

‘‘(D) FINANCIAL AID.— 

‘‘(i) The average annual grant amount (including Federal, State, and 

institutional aid) awarded to an undergraduate student enrolled at the 

institution who receives financial aid. 

‘‘(ii) The percentage of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution receiving Federal, State, and institutional grants, student loans, 

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tution, provided publicly or through the institution, such as Federal 

work-study funds. 

‘‘(iii) The cohort default rate (as defined in section 435(m)) for such 

institution. 

‘‘(E) FACULTY INFORMATION.— 

‘‘(i) The ratio of the number of course sections taught by part-time 

instructors to the number of course sections taught by full-time faculty, 

disaggregated by course sections intended primarily for undergraduate 

students and course sections intended primarily for graduate students. 

‘‘(ii) The mean and median years of employment for part-time instructors. 

‘‘(3) OTHER DATA MATTERS.— 

‘‘(A) COMPLETION DATA.—The Commissioner of Education Statistics shall 

ensure that the information required under paragraph (1)(E) includes information with respect to all students at an institution, including students 

other than first-time, full-time students and students who transfer to another institution, in a manner that the Commissioner considers appropriate. 

‘‘(B) ADJUSTMENT OF INCOME CATEGORIES.—The Secretary may annually 

adjust the range of each of the income categories described in paragraph 

(1)(F) to account for a change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban 

Consumers as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics if the Secretary 

determines an adjustment is necessary. 

‘‘(4) INSTITUTIONAL COMPARISON.—The Secretary shall include on the College 

Dashboard website a method for users to easily compare the information required under paragraphs (1) and (2) between institutions. 

‘‘(5) UPDATES.— 

‘‘(A) DATA.—The Secretary shall update the College Dashboard website 

not less than annually. 

‘‘(B) TECHNOLOGY AND FORMAT.—The Secretary shall regularly assess the 

format and technology of the College Dashboard website and make any 

changes or updates that the Secretary considers appropriate. 

‘‘(6) CONSUMER TESTING.— 

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In developing and maintaining the College Dashboard 

website, the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate departments and 

agencies of the Federal Government, shall conduct consumer testing with 

appropriate persons, including current and prospective college students, 

family members of such students, institutions of higher education, and experts, to ensure that the College Dashboard website is usable and easily understandable and provides useful and relevant information to students and 

families. 

‘‘(B) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES.—The Secretary shall submit to 

the authorizing committees any recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate for changing the information required to be provided on 

the College Dashboard website under paragraphs (1) and (2) based on the 

results of the consumer testing conducted under subparagraph (A). 

‘‘(7) PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE LINKS TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AFTER SUBMISSION OF FAFSA.—The Secretary shall provide to each student who submits 

a Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 483 a link to 

the webpage of the College Dashboard website that contains the information required under paragraph (1) for each institution of higher education such student 

includes on such Application. 

‘‘(8) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—The Secretary, in consultation with each 

appropriate head of a department or agency of the Federal Government, shall 

ensure to the greatest extent practicable that any information related to higher 

education that is published by such department or agency is consistent with the 

information published on the College Dashboard website. 

‘‘(9) REFERENCES TO COLLEGE NAVIGATOR WEBSITE.—Any reference in this Act 

to the College Navigator website shall be considered a reference to the College 

Dashboard website.’’. 

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—The Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 

1001 et seq.), as amended by subsection (a) of this section, is further amended— 

(1) in section 131(h) (20 U.S.C. 1015(h)), by striking ‘‘College Navigator’’ and 

inserting ‘‘College Dashboard’’; and 

(2) in section 132(a) (20 U.S.C. 1015a(a)), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(1) COLLEGE DASHBOARD WEBSITE.—The term ‘College Dashboard website’ 

means the College Dashboard website required under subsection (d).’’. 


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(c) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary of Education shall develop and publish the College Dashboard website required under section 132 of the Higher Education Act of 

1965 (20 U.S.C. 1015a), as amended by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, not 

later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 

(d) COLLEGE NAVIGATOR WEBSITE MAINTENANCE.—The Secretary shall maintain 

the College Navigator website required under section 132 of the Higher Education 

Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1015a), as in effect the day before the date of the enactment 

of this Act, in the manner required under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as in 

effect on such day, until the College Dashboard website referred to in subsection (c) 

is complete and publicly available on the Internet. 

SEC. 3. NET PRICE CALCULATORS. 

Subsection (c) of section 132 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 

1015a), as redesignated by section 2(a)(4) of this Act, is amended— 

(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and 

(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraphs: 

‘‘(4) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR NET PRICE CALCULATORS.—Not later than 1 

year after the date of the enactment of the Strengthening Transparency in 

Higher Education Act, a net price calculator for an institution of higher education shall meet the following requirements: 

‘‘(A) The link for the calculator shall— 

‘‘(i) be clearly labeled as a net price calculator and prominently, clearly, and conspicuously posted in locations on the website of such institution where information on costs and aid is provided and any other location that the institution considers appropriate; and 

‘‘(ii) match in size and font to the other prominent links on the 

webpage where the link for the calculator is displayed. 

‘‘(B) The webpage displaying the results for the calculator shall specify 

at least the following information: 

‘‘(i) The net price (as calculated under subsection (a)(2)) for such institution, which shall be the most visually prominent figure on the results screen. 

‘‘(ii) Cost of attendance, including— 

‘‘(I) tuition and fees; 

‘‘(II) average annual cost of room and board for the institution for 

a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the institution; 

‘‘(III) average annual cost of books and supplies for a full-time 

undergraduate student enrolled in the institution; and 

‘‘(IV) estimated cost of other expenses (including personal expenses and transportation) for a full-time undergraduate student 

enrolled in the institution. 

‘‘(iii) Estimated total need-based grant aid and merit-based grant aid 

from Federal, State, and institutional sources that may be available to 

a full-time undergraduate student. 

‘‘(iv) Percentage of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in 

the institution that received any type of grant aid described in clause 

(iii). 

‘‘(v) The disclaimer described in paragraph (6). 

‘‘(vi) In the case of a calculator that— 

‘‘(I) includes questions to estimate the eligibility of a student or 

prospective student for veterans’ education benefits (as defined in 

section 480) or educational benefits for active duty service members, such benefits are displayed on the results screen in a manner 

that clearly distinguishes such benefits from the grant aid described in clause (iii); or 

‘‘(II) does not include questions to estimate eligibility for the benefits described in subclause (I), the results screen indicates that 

certain students (or prospective students) may qualify for such benefits and includes a link to information about such benefits. 

‘‘(C) The institution shall populate the calculator with data from an academic year that is not more than 2 academic years prior to the most recent 

academic year. 

‘‘(5) PROHIBITION ON USE OF DATA COLLECTED BY THE NET PRICE CALCULATOR.—A net price calculator for an institution of higher education shall— 

‘‘(A) clearly indicate which questions are required to be completed for an 

estimate of the net price from the calculator; 

‘‘(B) in the case of a calculator that requests contact information from 

users, clearly mark such requests as optional and provide for an estimate 


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of the net price from the calculator without requiring users to enter such 

information; and 

‘‘(C) prohibit any personally identifiable information provided by users 

from being sold or made available to third parties.’’. 

SEC. 4. FUNDING. 

(a) USE OF EXISTING FUNDS.—Of the amount authorized to be appropriated to the 

Department of Education to maintain the College Navigator website, $1,000,000 

shall be available to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act. 

(b) NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED.—No funds are authorized by this Act to 

be appropriated to carry out this Act or the amendments made by this Act. 

PURPOSE

H.R. 3178, the Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education 

Act, streamlines and improves the information about institutions of 

higher education made available by the Secretary of Education 

(Secretary) to help students and families make more informed decisions about postsecondary education options. 

COMMITTEE ACTION

As the Committee on Education and the Workforce (Committee) 

continues the Higher Education Act reauthorization process, increasing transparency and usefulness of higher education data; 

simplifying and improving the federal student aid programs; and 

promoting innovation, access, and completion remain top priorities. 

112TH CONGRESS

Hearings—First session 

On March 1, 2011, the Committee held a hearing in Washington, 

D.C., on ‘‘Education Regulations: Weighing the Burden on Schools 

and Students.’’ The hearing was the first in a series examining the 

burden of federal, state, and local regulations on the nation’s education system. The purpose of the hearing was to uncover the damaging effects of federal regulations on schools and institutions. 

These rules increasingly stifle growth and innovation, raise operating costs, and limit student access to affordable colleges and universities throughout the nation. Testifying before the Committee 

were Dr. Edgar Hatrick, Superintendent, Loudon County Public 

Schools, Ashburn, Virginia; Ms. Kati Haycock, President, The Education Trust, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Gene Wilhoit, Executive Director, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C.; and 

Mr. Christopher B. Nelson, President, St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland. 

On March 11, 2011, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Education Regulations: 

Federal Overreach into Academic Affairs.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the most egregious and intrusive pieces of the 

program integrity regulations issued by the U.S. Department of 

Education, specifically, the state authorization regulation and the 

credit hour regulation, and to uncover the unintended consequences 

of the regulations to states and institutions of higher education. 

Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mr. John Ebersole, President, Excelsior College, Albany, New York; Dr. G. Blair Dowden, 

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cation, Washington, D.C.; and Mr. Ralph Wolff, President, Western 

Association of Schools and Colleges, Alameda, California. 

On March 17, 2011, the Committee held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Education Regulations: Roadblocks to Student 

Choice in Higher Education.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to explore the harmful consequences of the gainful employment regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Education. Testifying before 

the Committee were Ms. Catherine Barreto, Graduate, Monroe College, and Senior Sales Associate, Doubletree Hotels, Brooklyn, New 

York; Mr. Travis Jennings, Electrical Supervisor of the Manufacturing Launch Systems Group, Orbital Sciences Corporation, Chandler, Arizona; Dr. Arnold Mitchem, President, Council for Opportunity in Education, Washington, D.C.; and Ms. Jeanne Herrmann, 

Chief Operating Officer, Globe University/Minnesota School of 

Business, Woodbury, Minnesota. 

On March 21, 2011, the Committee held a hearing in WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania, on ‘‘Reviving our Economy: The Role of Higher Education in Job Growth and Development.’’ The purpose of the 

hearing was to highlight work by local colleges and universities to 

respond to local and state economic needs. Testifying before the 

Committee were Mr. James Perry, President, Hazelton City Council, Hazelton, Pennsylvania; Mr. Jeffrey Alesson, Vice President of 

Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance, Diamond Manufacturing, Exeter, Pennsylvania; Dr. Reynold Verret, Provost, Wilkes 

University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Mr. Raymond Angeli, 

President, Lackawanna College, Scranton, Pennsylvania; Ms. Joan 

Seaman, Executive Director, Empire Beauty School, Moosic, Pennsylvania; and Mr. Thomas P. Leary, President, Luzerne County 

Community College, Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. 

On March 22, 2011, the Committee held a hearing in Utica, New 

York, on ‘‘Reviving our Economy: The Role of Higher Education in 

Job Growth and Development.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to 

highlight work by local colleges and universities to respond to local 

and state economic needs. Testifying before the Committee were 

Mr. Anthony J. Picente, Jr., County Executive, Oneida County, 

Utica, New York; Mr. Dave Mathis, Director, Oneida County Workforce Development, Utica, New York; Dr. John Bay, Vice President 

and Chief Scientist, Assured Information Security, Inc., Rome, New 

York; Dr. Bjong Wolf Yeigh, President, State University of New 

York Institute of Technology, Utica, New York; Dr. Ann Marie 

Murray, President, Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer, New York; Dr. Judith Kirkpatrick, Provost, Utica College, 

Utica, New York; and Mr. Phil Williams, President, Utica School 

of Commerce, The Business College, Utica, New York. 

On April 21, 2011, the Committee held a hearing in Columbia, 

Tennessee, on ‘‘Reviving our Economy: The Role of Higher Education in Job Growth and Development.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to highlight the work by local colleges and universities to 

respond to local and state economic needs. Testifying before the 

Committee were Dr. Janet Smith, President, Columbia State Community College, Columbia, Tennessee; Dr. Ted Brown, President, 

Martin-Methodist College, Pulaski, Tennessee; Mr. Jim Coakley, 

President, Nashville Auto-Diesel College, Nashville, Tennessee; 

The Honorable Dean Dickey, Mayor, City of Columbia, Columbia, 

Tennessee; Ms. Susan Marlow, President and Chief Executive OffiVerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Jul 14, 2016 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR674.XXX HR674

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cer, Smart Data Strategies, Franklin, Tennessee; Ms. Jan McKeel, 

Executive Director, South Central Tennessee Workforce Board, Columbia, Tennessee; and Ms. Margaret Prater, Executive Director, 

Northwest Tennessee Workforce Board, Dyersburg, Tennessee. 

On July 8, 2011, the Committee on Education and the Workforce 

Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, together with the House Committee on Oversight and Government 

Reform Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight, 

and Government Spending, held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on 

‘‘The Gainful Employment Regulation: Limiting Job Growth and 

Student Choice.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to explore the 

harmful consequences of the gainful employment regulation issued 

by the U.S. Department of Education. Testifying before the subcommittees were Dr. Dario A. Cortes, President, Berkeley College, 

New York City, New York; Dr. Anthony P. Carnevale, Director, 

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 

Washington, D.C.; Ms. Karla Carpenter, Graduate, Herzing University and Program Manager, Quest Software, Madison, Wisconsin; and Mr. Harry C. Alford, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Black Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 

On August 16, 2011, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Greenville, South Carolina, on ‘‘Reviving Our 

Economy: The Role of Higher Education in Job Growth and Development.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to highlight the work by 

local colleges and universities to respond to local and state economic needs. Testifying before the Subcommittee were The Honorable Knox White, Mayor, City of Greenville, Greenville, South 

Carolina; Mr. Werner Eikenbusch, Section Manager, Associate Development and Training, BMW Manufacturing Co., Spartanburg, 

South Carolina; Ms. Laura Harmon, Project Director, Greenville 

Works, Greenville, South Carolina; Dr. Brenda Thames, Vice President of Academic Development, Greenville Health System, Greenville, South Carolina; Mr. James F. Barker, President, Clemson 

University, Clemson, South Carolina; Dr. Thomas F. Moore, Chancellor, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, South 

Carolina; Dr. Keith Miller, President, Greenville Technical College, 

Greenville, South Carolina; and Ms. Amy Hickman, Campus President, ECPI College of Technology, Greenville, South Carolina. 

On October 25, 2011, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Government-Run Student 

Loans: Ensuring the Direct Loan Program is Accountable to Students and Taxpayers.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine 

the switch to and implementation of the Direct Loan program. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mr. James W. Runcie, Chief 

Operating Officer, Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department 

of Education, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Ron H. Day, Director of Financial Aid, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia; Ms. 

Nancy Hoover, Director of Financial Aid, Denison University, 

Granville, Ohio; and Mr. Mark. A. Bande ́, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas. 

On November 30, 2011, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 


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Training held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Keeping College 

Within Reach: Discussing Ways Institutions Can Streamline Costs 

and Reduce Tuition.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to highlight 

innovative practices institutions of higher education are implementing to reduce their costs to limit tuition increases for students. 

Testifying before the Subcommittee were Ms. Jane V. Wellman, Executive Director, Delta Project on Postsecondary Costs, Productivity, and Accountability, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Ronald E. 

Manahan, President, Grace College and Seminary, Winona Lake, 

Indiana; Mr. Jamie P. Merisotis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lumina Foundation for Education, Indianapolis, Indiana; and 

Mr. Tim Foster, President, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, Colorado. 

Legislative action—First session 

On February 17, 2011, the House of Representatives considered 

an amendment offered by Committee Chairman John Kline (R– 

MN), Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee 

Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC), and Rep. Alcee Hastings (D– 

FL) to H.R. 1, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013. The 

amendment prohibited the use of funds by the U.S. Department of 

Education to implement and enforce the gainful employment regulation. The amendment was agreed to by a bipartisan vote of 289 

to 136. 

On February 19, 2011, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 

1 by a vote of 235 to 189. This bill was not signed into law. 

On June 3, 2011, Chairman John Kline (R–MN) and Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC) introduced H.R. 

2117, the Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act. 

The bill repealed the state authorization regulation, one piece of 

the credit hour regulation, and prohibited the Secretary from defining credit hour for any purpose under the Higher Education Act of 

1965. 

On June 15, 2011, the Committee considered H.R. 2117 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House 

of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 27 to 11. 

The Committee considered and adopted the following amendment 

to H.R. 2117: 

• Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC) offered an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute to add a short title to the 

legislation. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

The Committee further considered the following amendments to 

H.R. 2117, which were not adopted: 

• Rep. Rau ́l Grijalva (D–AZ) offered an amendment to maintain 

pieces of the state authorization regulation, including the complaint process. The amendment failed by a vote of 17 to 22. 

• Ranking Member George Miller (D–CA) offered an amendment 

to prohibit implementation until the U.S. Department of Education 

Inspector General certifies there are equal or greater protections in 

place related to program integrity under Title IV of the Higher 

Education Act of 1965. The amendment failed by a vote of 17 to 

22. 

• Rep. Rush Holt (D–NJ) offered an amendment to stipulate 

the act would be effective only if the maximum Pell Grant award 


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is at least $5,550 for the 2012–2013 school year. The amendment 

was ruled out of order. • Rep. Tim Bishop (D–NY) offered an amendment to strike the 

repeal of the credit hour regulation that establishes a federal definition of a credit hour. The amendment failed by a vote of 11 to 

27. • Rep. Tim Bishop (D–NY) offered an amendment to strike the 

prohibition on the Secretary of Education from defining credit hour 

in the future. The amendment failed by a vote of 16 to 22. 

Hearings—Second session 

On July 18, 2012, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Keeping College Within 

Reach: Exploring State Efforts to Curb Costs.’’ The purpose of the 

hearing was to highlight innovative practices at the state level to 

assist postsecondary institutions in keeping costs affordable and to 

promote accountability of public funds. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mr. Scott Pattison, Executive Director, National 

Association of State Budget Officers, Washington, D.C.; Ms. Teresa 

Lubbers, Commissioner for Higher Education, State of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana; Mr. Stan Jones, President, Complete College 

America, Zionsville, Indiana; and Dr. Joe May, President, Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Baton Rouge, 

Louisiana. 

On September 20, 2012, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 

Training held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Assessing College 

Data: Helping to Provide Valuable Information to Students, Institutions, and Taxpayers.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine data collected by the federal government from institutions of 

higher education, including data requirements established during 

the last reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Dr. Mark Schneider, Vice President, 

American Institutes for Research, Washington, D.C.; Dr. James 

Hallmark, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Texas A&M System, College Station, Texas; Dr. Jose ́ Cruz, Vice President for 

Higher Education Policy and Practice, The Education Trust, Washington, D.C.; and Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons, President, Shenandoah 

University, Winchester, Virginia. 

Legislative action—Second session 

On February 28, 2012, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 

2117 by a bipartisan vote of 303 to 114. The bill was sent to the 

Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. 

On April 25, 2012, Rep. Judy Biggert (R–IL) introduced H.R. 

4628, the Interest Rate Reduction Act. The bill reduced the interest 

rate on subsidized Stafford loans made to undergraduate students 

from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent for one year, from July 1, 2012, 

through June 30, 2013. To offset the increase in mandatory spending, the bill repealed the Prevention and Public Health Fund authorized under Section 4002 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and rescinded the balance of unobligated monies 

made available for the fund. 


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On April 27, 2012, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 

4628 by a vote of 215 to 195. 

While H.R. 4628 was never considered by the Senate, its provisions were included in the Conference Report for H.R. 4348, the 

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP–21), sponsored by Rep. John Mica (R–FL). To partially offset the increase in 

mandatory spending that resulted from the temporary reduction in 

interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans, the bill permanently restricted the period of eligibility to borrow subsidized Stafford loans 

to 150 percent of the published length of a student’s educational 

program. 

On June 29, 2012, the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to H.R. 4348 by a bipartisan vote of 373 to 52. 

On June 29, 2012, the Senate passed the Conference Report to 

H.R. 4348 by a bipartisan vote of 74 to 19. 

On July 6, 2012, the President of the United States signed H.R. 

4348 into law (P.L. 112–141). 

113TH CONGRESS

Hearings—First session 

On March 13, 2013, the Committee held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Keeping College Within Reach: Examining Opportunities to Strengthen Federal Student Loan Programs.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine ways to strengthen federal student loans, as well as how moving to a market-based or variable 

interest rate on all federal student loans could benefit both students and taxpayers. Testifying before the Committee were Dr. 

Deborah J. Lucas, Sloan Distinguished Professor of Finance, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Mr. 

Jason Delisle, Director, Federal Education Budget Project, The 

New America Foundation, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Justin Draeger, 

President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Washington, D.C.; and Dr. 

Charmaine Mercer, Vice President of Policy, Alliance for Excellent 

Education, Washington, D.C. 

On April 9, 2013, the Committee on Education and the Workforce 

Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training held a 

hearing in Monroe, Michigan, entitled ‘‘Reviving Our Economy: The 

Role of Higher Education in Job Growth and Development.’’ The 

purpose of the hearing was to highlight work being done by local 

colleges and universities to respond to local and state economic 

needs. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mr. Henry 

Lievens, Commissioner, Monroe County, Monroe, Michigan; Ms. 

Lynette Dowler, Plant Director, Fossil Generation, DTE Energy, 

Detroit, Michigan; Ms. Susan Smith, Executive Director, Economic 

Development Partnership of Hillsdale County, Jonesville, Michigan; Mr. Dan Fairbanks, United Auto Workers International Representative, UAW–GM Skill Development and Training Department, Detroit, Michigan; Dr. David E. Nixon, President, Monroe 

County Community College, Monroe, Michigan; Sister Peg Albert, 

OP, Ph.D., President, Siena Heights University, Adrian, Michigan; 

Dr. Michelle Shields, Career Coach/Workforce Development Director, Jackson Community College, Jackson, Michigan; and Mr. 


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Douglas A. Levy, Director of Financial Aid, Macomb Community 

College, Warren, Michigan. 

On April 16, 2013, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping College 

Within Reach: The Role of Federal Student Aid Programs.’’ The 

purpose of the hearing was to examine shifting the focus of federal 

student aid programs from enhancing access to improving student 

outcomes. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mr. Terry W. 

Hartle, Senior Vice President, Division of Government and Public 

Affairs, American Council on Education, Washington, D.C.; Ms. 

Moriah Miles, State Chair, Minnesota State University Student Association, Mankato, Minnesota; Ms. Patricia McGuire, President, 

Trinity Washington University, Washington, D.C.; and Mr. Dan 

Madzelan, Former Employee (Retired), U.S. Department of Education, University Park, Maryland. 

On April 24, 2013, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping College 

Within Reach: Enhancing Transparency for Students, Families, 

and Taxpayers.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine ways 

to improve the information provided by the federal government to 

inform students and families about their postsecondary education 

options. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Dr. Donald E. 

Heller, Dean, College of Education, Michigan State University, 

East Lansing, Michigan; Mr. Alex Garrido, Student, Keiser University, Miami, Florida; Dr. Nicole Farmer Hurd, Founder and Executive Director, National College Advising Corps, Carrboro, North 

Carolina; and Mr. Travis Reindl, Program Director, Postsecondary 

Education, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Washington, D.C. 

On June 13, 2013, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping College 

Within Reach: Discussing Program Quality through Accreditation.’’ 

The purpose of the hearing was to examine the historical role of 

accreditation, discuss the role of regional and national accreditors 

in measuring institutional quality, and contemplate areas for reform. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Dr. Elizabeth H. 

Sibolski, President, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Dr. Michale McComis, Executive Director, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Arlington, Virginia; Ms. Anne D. Neal, President, American 

Council of Trustees and Alumni, Washington, D.C.; and Mr. Kevin 

Carey, Director of the Education Policy Program, The New America 

Foundation, Washington, D.C. 

On July 9, 2013, the Committee held a hearing in Washington, 

D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping College Within Reach: Improving Higher 

Education through Innovation.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to 

highlight innovation in higher education occurring at the state and 

institutional level and in the private sector. Testifying before the 

Committee were Mr. Scott Jenkins, Director of External Relations, 

Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah; Dr. Pamela 

J. Tate, President and Chief Executive Officer, Council for Adult 

and Experiential Learning, Chicago, Illinois; Dr. Joann A. 


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Boughman, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University 

System of Maryland, Adelphi, Maryland; and Mr. Burck Smith, 

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, StraighterLine, Baltimore, 

Maryland. 

On September 11, 2013, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 

Training held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping 

College Within Reach: Supporting Higher Education Opportunities 

for America’s Servicemembers and Veterans.’’ The purpose of the 

hearing was to examine the efforts of higher education to improve 

postsecondary education opportunities for servicemembers and veterans. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mrs. Kimrey W. 

Rhinehardt, Vice President for Federal and Military Affairs, The 

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Dr. Arthur F. Kirk, Jr., President, Saint Leo University, Saint Leo, Florida; Dr. Russell S. Kitchner, Vice President for Regulatory and 

Governmental Relations, American Public University System, 

Charles Town, West Virginia; and Dr. Ken Sauer, Senior Associate 

Commissioner for Research and Academic Affairs, Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

On September 18, 2013, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 

Training held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping 

College Within Reach: Improving Access and Affordability through 

Innovative Partnerships.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine the efforts of higher education institutions to expand access and 

reduce costs by partnering with local employers, other colleges, or 

online course providers. Testifying before the Subcommittee were 

Dr. Jeffrey Docking, President, Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan; 

Ms. Paula R. Singer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Laureate Global Products and Services, Baltimore, Maryland; Dr. Rich 

Baraniuk, Professor, Rice University, and Founder, Connexions, 

Houston, Texas; and Dr. Charles Lee Isbell, Jr., Professor and Senior Associate Dean, College of Computing, Georgia Institute of 

Technology, Atlanta, Georgia. 

On November 13, 2013, the Committee held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping College Within Reach: Simplifying 

Federal Student Aid.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine 

the need to streamline, consolidate, and simplify federal student 

aid programs. Testifying before the Committee were Ms. Kristin D. 

Conklin, Founding Partner, HCM Strategies, LLC, Washington, 

D.C.; Dr. Sandy Baum, Research Professor of Education Policy, 

George Washington University Graduate School of Education and 

Human Development, and Senior Fellow, Urban Institute, Washington, D.C.; Ms. Jennifer Mishory, J.D., Deputy Director, Young 

Invincibles, Washington, D.C.; and Mr. Jason Delisle, Director, 

Federal Education Budget Project, New America Foundation, 

Washington, D.C. 

On December 3, 2013, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 

Training held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping 

College Within Reach: Strengthening Pell Grants for Future Generations.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine Pell Grant 

program reform proposals to better target funds to the neediest 

students and put the program on a fiscally responsible and sustainVerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Jul 14, 2016 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR674.XXX HR674

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able path. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Mr. Justin 

Draeger, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Washington, D.C.; 

Dr. Jenna Ashley Robinson, Director of Outreach, John W. Pope 

Center for Higher Education Policy, Raleigh, North Carolina; Mr. 

Michael Dannenberg, Director of Higher Education and Education 

Finance Policy, The Education Trust, Washington, D.C.; and Mr. 

Richard C. Heath, Director of Student Financial Services, Anne 

Arundel Community College, Arnold, Maryland. 

Legislative action—First session 

On May 9, 2013, Chairman John Kline (R–MN) and Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC) introduced H.R. 

1911, the Smarter Solutions for Students Act. The bill moved all 

federal student loans (except Perkins loans) to a market-based interest rate. 

On May 16, 2013, the Committee considered H.R. 1911 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House of 

Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 24 to 13. 

The Committee considered and adopted the following amendment 

to H.R. 1911: 

• Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC) offered an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute to make a technical 

change to the bill. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

The Committee further considered the following amendments to 

H.R. 1911, which were not adopted: 

• Rep. Joe Heck (R–NV) offered an amendment to allocate a portion of the savings generated under the bill to Pell Grants. The 

amendment was withdrawn. 

• Rep. Joe Heck (R–NV) offered an amendment to provide the 

Secretary of Education with authority to reduce the interest rate 

on student loans if a borrower makes the first 48 payments on 

time. The amendment was withdrawn. 

• Rep. John Tierney (D–MA) offered an amendment to set the 

federal student loan interest rates at the same rate the Federal Reserve charges to banks for two years. The amendment failed by a 

vote of 14 to 23. 

• Rep. Joe Courtney (D–CT) offered an amendment to extend the 

3.4 percent interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans for two years. 

The amendment failed by a vote of 15 to 21. 

On May 23, 2013, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1911 

by a bipartisan vote of 221 to 198. 

On July 24, 2013, the Senate passed a substitute version of H.R. 

1911, the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act, by a bipartisan 

vote of 81 to 18. The legislation allowed student loan interest rates 

to reset once a year by the market, but they would be locked into 

a fixed rate once the loan is disbursed to the student. Interest rates 

would be set using the following formulas: 

• Undergraduate Stafford loans (subsidized and unsubsidized): 

10-year Treasury Note plus 2.05 percent, capped at 8.25 percent. 

• Graduate Stafford loans: 10-year Treasury Note plus 3.6 percent, capped at 9.5 percent 

• PLUS loans (graduate and parent): 10-year Treasury Note plus 

4.6 percent, capped at 10.5 percent. 


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On July 31, 2013, the House of Representatives agreed to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1911 

by a bipartisan vote of 392 to 31. 

On August 9, 2013, the President of the United States signed 

H.R. 1911 into law (P.L. 113–28). 

On May 13, 2013, Rep. Luke Messer (R–IN) introduced H.R. 

1949, the Improving Postsecondary Education Data for Students 

Act. The bill directed the Secretary to convene an Advisory Committee on Improving Postsecondary Education Data to conduct a 

study on the factors students and families want, need, and already 

consider when choosing a higher education institution. 

On May 16, 2013, the Committee considered H.R. 1949 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House of 

Representatives by a voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 1949: • Rep. Luke Messer (R–IN) offered an amendment in the nature 

of a substitute to H.R. 1949 to (1) include individuals who represent undergraduate and graduate education; college and career 

counselors at secondary schools; experts in data policy, collection, 

and use; and experts in labor markets on the list of individuals required to be represented on the Advisory Committee on Improving 

Postsecondary Education Data; (2) ensure individuals on the advisory committee represent economic, racial, and geographically diverse populations; (3) require the advisory committee to examine 

information related to the sources of financial assistance, including 

federal student loans, as part of the required aspects of the study; 

(4) require the advisory committee to examine how information regarding student outcomes should be disaggregated for first-generation students; and (5) provide other conforming and technical 

changes to the bill. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

On May 22, 2013, the House of Representatives agreed to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1949 by voice vote. The bill was sent 

to the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, 

Education, Labor, and Pensions. 

On July 10, 2013, Chairman John Kline (R–MN), Subcommittee 

Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC), and Rep. Alcee Hastings (D– 

FL) introduced H.R. 2637, the Supporting Academic Freedom 

through Regulatory Relief Act. The bill, which included the text of 

the Protecting Academic Freedom in Higher Education Act (H.R. 

2117) and the Kline/Foxx/Hastings amendment to H.R. 1 from the 

112th Congress, repealed the credit hour, state authorization, and 

gainful employment regulations and amended the statute to clarify 

the incentive compensation regulation. Additionally, the bill prohibited the U.S. Department of Education from issuing related regulations until after Congress reauthorizes the Higher Education Act. 

On July 24, 2013, the Committee considered H.R. 2637 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House of 

Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 22 to 13. 

The Committee considered and adopted the following amendment 

to H.R. 2637: 

• Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC) offered an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute to change a subsection 

title in the legislation. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

The Committee further considered the following amendment to 

H.R. 2637, which was not adopted: 


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• Rep. Tim Bishop (D–NY) offered an amendment to strike the 

prohibition on the U.S. Department of Education from issuing regulations related to state authorization, gainful employment, and 

credit hour. The amendment failed by a vote of 13 to 22. 

Hearings—Second session 

On January 28, 2014, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 

Training held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping 

College Within Reach: Sharing Best Practices for Serving Low-Income and First Generation Students.’’ The purpose of the hearing 

was to highlight best practices at institutions of higher education 

for serving low-income and first generation students. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Dr. James Anderson, Chancellor, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina; Mrs. Mary 

Beth Del Balzo, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, The College of Westchester, White Plains, New York; 

Mr. Josse Alex Garrido, Graduate Student, University of Texas— 

Pan American, Edinburg, Texas; and Rev. Dennis H. 

Holtschneider, President, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois. 

On February 27, 2013, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education and Subcommittee on Higher Education and 

Workforce Training held a joint hearing in Washington, D.C., on 

‘‘Exploring Efforts to Strengthen the Teaching Profession.’’ The 

purpose of the hearing was to discuss the state of teacher preparation nationwide. Testifying before the subcommittees were Dr. 

Deborah A. Gist, Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Providence, Rhode Island; Dr. 

Marcy Singer-Gabella, Professor of the Practice of Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Dr. Heather Peske, Associate Commissioner for Educator Quality, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Malden, Massachusetts; and Ms. Christina Hall, Co-Founder and Co-Director, Urban 

Teacher Center, Baltimore, Maryland. 

On March 12, 2014, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Examining the Mismanagement of the Student Loan Rehabilitation Process.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to examine the U.S. Department of Education’s ability to oversee the processing of rehabilitated loans 

issued under the Direct Loan program. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Ms. Melissa Emrey-Arras, Director of Education, 

Workforce, and Income Security Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Boston, Massachusetts; The Honorable Kathleen 

Tighe, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.; Mr. James Runcie, Chief Operating Officer, Federal 

Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.; and 

Ms. Peg Julius, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, 

Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

On March 20, 2014, the Committee held a hearing in Mesa, Arizona, entitled ‘‘Reviving our Economy: Supporting a 21st Century 

Workforce.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to explore the role of 

local higher education institutions in fostering job creation and 

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nity and new modes of teaching delivery. Testifying before the 

Committee were The Honorable Rick Heumann, Vice Mayor, City 

of Chandler, Chandler, Arizona; Ms. Cathleen Barton, Education 

Manager, Intel Corporate Affairs, Southwestern United States, 

Intel Corporation, Chandler, Arizona; Mr. Lee D. Lambert, J.D., 

Chancellor, Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona; Dr. William Pepicello, President, University of Phoenix, Tempe, Arizona; 

Dr. Michael Crow, President, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona; Dr. Ann Weaver Hart, President, The University of Arizona, 

Tucson, Arizona; Dr. Ernest A. Lara, President, Estrella Mountain 

Community College, Avondale, Arizona; and Ms. Christy Farley, 

Vice President of Government Affairs and Business Partnerships, 

Northern Arizona University, Phoenix, Arizona. 

On April 2, 2014, the Committee on Education and the Workforce 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., entitled ‘‘Keeping College 

Within Reach: Meeting the Needs of Contemporary Students.’’ The 

purpose of the hearing was to examine how institutions, states, and 

other entities assist contemporary college students in accessing and 

completing postsecondary education. Testifying before the Committee were Dr. George A. Pruitt, President, Thomas Edison State 

College, Trenton, New Jersey; Dr. Kevin Gilligan, Chairman and 

Chief Executive Officer, Capella Education Company, Minneapolis, 

Minnesota; Mr. David Moldoff, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, AcademyOne, Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania; Dr. Joann A. 

Boughman, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University 

System of Maryland, Adelphi, Maryland; Mr. Stan Jones, President, Complete College America, Indianapolis, Indiana; and Dr. 

Brooks A. Keel, President, Georgia Southern University, 

Statesboro, Georgia. 

Legislative action—Second session 

On September 19, 2013, Rep. Matt Salmon (R–AZ), Rep. Susan 

Brooks (R–IN), and Rep. Jared Polis (D–CO) introduced H.R. 3136, 

the Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project 

Act of 2013. The bill directed the Secretary to select institutions or 

consortia of institutions for voluntary participation in competencybased education demonstration projects. The demonstration 

projects would have provided participating entities with the ability 

to offer competency-based education programs that do not meet certain statutory and regulatory requirements which would otherwise 

prevent them from participating in federal student aid programs. 

On July 10, 2014, the Committee considered H.R. 3136 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House of 

Representatives by a voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 3136: 

• Rep. Matt Salmon (R–AZ) and Rep. Jared Polis (D–CO) offered 

an amendment in the nature of a substitute to add certain requirements to the applications to participate in a competency-based education project; allow eligible entities to submit amendments to their 

previously-approved applications; set requirements for the entities 

the Secretary must choose to participate in the programs; require 

institutions to provide student information to the director of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES); require the Director of IES to 

annually evaluate each project and provide a report with specified 

information to the authorizing committees; authorize funds to be 


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available from the amount appropriated for salaries and expenses 

of the U.S. Department of Education, and make conforming and 

technical changes to the introduced bill. The amendment was 

adopted by voice vote. 

The Committee further considered the following amendment to 

H.R. 3136, which was not adopted: • Rep. Tierney (D–MA) offered an amendment that would have 

allowed students with federal student loans and private student 

loans issued prior to 2013 to refinance those loans into new federal 

loans at the interest rate set for the 2013–2014 academic year. The 

amendment was ruled non-germane. Ranking Member George Miller (D–CA) appealed the ruling of the chair. Rep. Glenn Thompson 

(R–PA) offered a motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the 

chair, which was adopted by a vote of 22 to 16. 

On July 23, 2014, the House of Representatives considered H.R. 

3136 and passed it, as amended, by a recorded vote of 414–0 on 

July 23, 2014. The bill was sent to the Senate and was referred to 

the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. 

On June 26, 2014, Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R– 

NC) and Rep. Luke Messer (R–IN) introduced H.R. 4983, the 

Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act. The bill simplified and streamlined the information made publicly available by 

the Secretary regarding institutions of higher education. 

On July 10, 2014, the Committee considered H.R. 4983 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House of 

Representatives by a voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 4983: •–Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC) offered an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute that required additional 

information on the College Dashboard; required the Secretary to 

conduct consumer testing in consultation with appropriate federal 

departments and agencies; ensured consumer testing addresses 

whether the College Dashboard provides useful and relevant information to students and families; required the Secretary to submit 

to the authorizing committees recommendations based on the results of consumer testing; set new minimum requirements for net 

price calculators, required funding to come from funds already appropriated to maintain the College Navigator; and made other conforming and technical changes. The amendment was adopted by 

voice vote. 

The Committee further considered the following amendment to 

H.R. 4983, which was not adopted: 

• Ranking Member George Miller (D–CA) offered an amendment 

that required the Commissioner of Education Statistics to establish 

a formula for determining the percentage of student borrowers who 

have completed their course of study and who are in repayment or 

in an authorized deferment period at three, five and 10 years after 

completion of a program of study. The amendment failed by a vote 

of 13 to 21. 

On July 23, 2014, the House of Representatives considered H.R. 

4983 under suspension of the rules. The bill was agreed to by voice 

vote, sent to the Senate, and referred to the Senate Committee on 

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. 

On June 26, 2014, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R–KY) and Rep. Richard 

Hudson (R–NC) introduced H.R. 4984, the Empowering Students 


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through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act. The bill amended the 

loan counseling requirements under the Higher Education Act and 

required counseling for Federal Pell Grant recipients. 

On July 10, 2014, the Committee considered H.R. 4984 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House of 

Representatives by voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 4984: 

• Reps. Brett Guthrie (R–KY) and Suzanne Bonamici (D–OR) offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute that removed the 

requirement that annual counseling for Pell Grant recipients be 

tied to disbursement of the grant; required additional information 

be disclosed to borrowers during annual counseling and exit counseling sessions; required institutions to provide annual counseling 

to borrowers receiving Parent PLUS loans; required any funds used 

to carry out the act to come from funds already appropriated to 

maintain the Financial Awareness Counseling Tool; and made conforming and technical changes. The amendment was adopted by 

voice vote. 

The Committee further considered the following amendment to 

H.R. 4984, which was not adopted: 

• Rep. Susan Davis (D–CA) offered an amendment to modify the 

rule requiring for-profit colleges to receive at least 10 percent of 

their revenue from sources other than the U.S. Department of Education to remain eligible for federal student aid to include all federal aid, including veterans’ educational benefits and some Workforce Investment Act funds, in the 90 percent portion of the calculation and only private funds in the 10 percent portion of the calculation. The amendment was ruled non-germane. Ranking Member 

George Miller (D–CA) appealed the ruling of the chair. Rep. Glenn 

Thompson (R–PA) offered a motion to table the appeal of the ruling 

of the chair, which was adopted by a vote of 20 to 13. 

On July 24, 2014, the House of Representatives considered H.R. 

4984 and passed it, as amended, by a vote of 405–11. The bill was 

sent to the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on 

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. 

114TH CONGRESS

Hearings—First session 

On February 4, 2015, the Committee held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Expanding Opportunity in America’s Schools and 

Workplaces.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to allow Committee 

members to learn about efforts made by state leaders to strengthen 

education, to make sure those who graduate are prepared to pursue 

a postsecondary education and compete in the workforce, and promote efforts to spur job creation. Testifying before the Committee 

were Dr. Michael Amiridis, Provost and Executive Vice President 

for Academic Affairs, University of South Carolina, Columbia, 

South Carolina; Mr. Drew Greenblatt, President and CEO, Marlin 

Steel Wire Products, Baltimore, Maryland; Dr. Lawrence Mishel, 

Ph.D., President, Economic Policy Institute, Washington, D.C.; and 

The Honorable Mike Pence, Governor, State of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana. 

On March 17, 2015, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 


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held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Strengthening America’s 

Higher Education System.’’ The purpose of the hearing was to explore policy proposals that align with the Committee’s four pillars 

for reauthorization of the HEA: (1) empowering students and families to make informed decisions; (2) simplifying and improving student aid; (3) promoting innovation, access, and completion; and (4) 

ensuring strong accountability and a limited federal role. Testifying 

before the Subcommittee were Mr. Willis Goldsmith, Partner, 

Jones Day, New York, New York who testified on behalf of the U.S. 

Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Stan Soloway, President and CEO, 

Professional Services Council, Arlington, Virginia; Ms. Angela 

Styles, Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP, Washington, D.C.; and Ms. 

Karla Walter, Associate Director, American Worker Project, Center 

for American Progress, Washington, D.C. 

On April 30, 2015, the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training 

held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Improving College Access 

and Completion for Low-Income and First-Generation Students.’’ 

The purpose of the hearing was to explore policy proposals and best 

practices to strengthen programs to help disadvantaged students 

access and complete higher education. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Dr. Laura Perna, James S. Riepe Professor, Executive Director, Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Dr. Charles J. 

Alexander, Associate Vice Provost for Student Diversity, Director, 

Academic Advancement Program, Associate Adjunct Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, California; Dr. Michelle Asha 

Cooper, President, Institute for Higher Education Policy, Washington, D.C.; and Dr. Joe D. May, Chancellor, Dallas County Community College District, Dallas, Texas. 

On September 10, 2015, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 

Training held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Preventing and 

Responding to Sexual Assault on College Campuses.’’ The purpose 

of the hearing was to explore policy proposals and best practices to 

help institutions address and respond to campus sexual assault 

and violence. Testifying before the Subcommittee were Ms. Dana 

Scaduto, General Counsel, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Dr. Penny Rue, Vice President for Campus Life, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Ms. Lisa M. Maatz, 

M.A., Vice President for Government Relations, American Association of University Women, Washington, D.C.; and Mr. Joseph 

Cohn, Legislative and Policy Director, Foundation for Individual 

Rights in Education, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

On November 18, 2015, the Committee on Education and the 

Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce 

Training, together with the House Committee on Oversight and 

Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations held 

a hearing in Washington, D.C., on ‘‘Federal Student Aid: Performance-Based Organization Review.’’ The purpose of the hearing was 

to review the Office of Federal Student Aid’s (FSA) responsibilities 

as a Performance-Based Organization (PBO), evaluate the PBO’s 

performance, and identify possible areas of reform. Testifying before the subcommittees were Mr. James Runcie, Chief Operating 

Officer, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.; Ms. MeVerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Jul 14, 2016 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR674.XXX HR674

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lissa Emrey-Arras, Director, Education Workforce, and Income Security, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Washington, D.C.; 

The Honorable Kathleen Tighe, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Ben Miller, Senior Director, Postsecondary Education, Center for American Progress, Washington, D.C.; and Mr. Justin Draeger, President, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Washington, D.C. 

Legislative action—First session 

On July 23, 2015, Higher Education and Workforce Training 

Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx along with Chairman 

John Kline (R–MN), Ranking Member Robert C. Scott (D–VA), and 

Reps. Luke Messer (R–IN), Gregorio Sablan (D–MP), Tim Walberg 

(R–MI), Joe Heck (R–NV), Buddy Carter (R–GA), Elise Stefanik 

(R–NY), Susan Davis (D–CA), Rau ́l Grijalva (D–AZ), and Mark 

DeSaulnier (D–CA) introduced H.R. 3178, the Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act. The bill ensures straightforward 

and useful information is easily accessible to students and parents 

and improves coordination between federal agencies to publish information about colleges and universities. 

On July 23, 2015, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R–KY) along with Chairman John Kline (R–MN), Ranking Member Robert C. Scott (D–VA), 

and Reps. Rick Allen (R–GA), Suzanne Bonamici (D–OR), Duncan 

Hunter (R–CA), Tim Walberg (R–MI), Joe Heck (R–NV), Luke 

Messer (R–IN), Buddy Carter (R–GA), Elise Stefanik (R–NY), 

Susan Davis (D–CA), Rau ́l Grijalva (D–AZ), Gregorio Sablan (D– 

MP), Mark Pocan (D–WI), Mark Takano (D–CA), Katherine Clark 

(D–MA), Mark DeSaulnier (D–CA), and Richard Hudson (R–NC) 

introduced H.R. 3179, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act. The bill promotes financial literacy through enhanced counseling for all recipients of federal financial aid. 

On September 24, 2015, Reps. Mike Bishop (R–MI) and Mark 

Pocan (D–WI) introduced H.R. 3594, the Higher Education Extension Act of 2015. The bill extends the authorization of the National 

Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity and the 

authority of institutions of higher education to make loans to new 

borrowers under the federal Perkins loan program through September 30, 2016. 

On September 28, 2015, the House of Representatives passed 

H.R. 3594 by a voice vote. The bill was sent to the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 

Pensions. The Senate amended the bill to extend the authorization 

of the federal Perkins loan program to September 30, 2017. The 

amendment was adopted by unanimous consent, and the underlying legislation was subsequently passed in the Senate on December 16, 2015, by voice vote. 

On December 17, 2015, the House agreed to the Senate amendment by unanimous consent. The Higher Education Extension Act 

of 2015 was signed into law by the President on December 18, 

2015. 

Legislative action—Second session 

On June 22, 2016, the Committee on Education and the Workforce considered H.R. 3178 in legislative session and reported it faVerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Jul 14, 2016 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR674.XXX HR674

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vorably, as amended, to the House of Representatives by voice vote. 

The Committee considered and adopted the following amendment 

to H.R. 3178: 

• Subcommittee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R–NC) offered an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute to make conforming and 

technical changes. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

On June 22, 2016, the Committee considered H.R. 3179 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House 

of Representatives by voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 3179: 

• Rep. Brett Guthrie (R–KY) offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute to make conforming and technical changes. The 

amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

On June 20, 2016, Rep. Joe Heck (R–NV) along with Reps. David 

‘‘Phil’’ Roe (R–TN), Jared Polis (D–CO), and Mark Pocan (D–WI) 

introduced H.R. 5528, the Simplifying the Application for Student 

Aid Act. The bill ensures continued allowance for earlier notification of federal student aid, leverages technology to make the application for federal student aid more accessible and easier to fill out, 

and provides more time for aid administrators to verify and package student aid. 

On June 22, 2016, the Committee considered H.R. 5528 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House 

of Representatives by voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 5528: 

• Rep. Joe Heck (R–NV) offered an amendment in the nature of 

a substitute to make conforming and technical changes. The 

amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

On June 20, 2016, Rep. Joe Heck (R–NV) along with Reps. 

Rube ́n Hinojosa (D–TX) and Raul Ruiz (D–CA) introduced H.R. 

5529, the Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act. The bill 

expands the authorized uses of funds for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) so they may promote dual enrollment opportunities 

and encourage Hispanic students to pursue doctoral degree programs in the healthcare industry. 

On June 22, 2016, the Committee considered H.R. 5529 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House 

of Representatives by voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 5529: 

• Rep. Joe Heck (R–NV) offered an amendment in the nature of 

a substitute to make conforming and technical changes. The 

amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

On June 20, 2016, Reps. Alma Adams (D–NC) and Bradley 

Byrne (R–AL) introduced H.R. 5530, the HBCU Capital Financing 

Improvement Act. The bill improves the program by requiring the 

advisory board to send an annual report to Congress regarding the 

status of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) 

Capital Financing Program. Additionally, the bill renames the escrow account to ‘‘bond insurance fund.’’ Lastly, this bill allows for 

financial counseling to potential eligible HBCUs to assist in their 

preparation to qualify, apply for, and maintain a capital improvement loan. 

On June 22, 2016, the Committee considered H.R. 5530 in legislative session and reported it favorably, as amended, to the House 


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of Representatives by voice vote. The Committee considered and 

adopted the following amendment to H.R. 5530: • Rep. Alma Adams (D–NC) offered an amendment in the nature 

of a substitute to make conforming and technical changes. The 

amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

SUMMARY

The Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act 

streamlines the overwhelming maze of consumer information about 

institutions of higher education provided to students and families 

by the federal government through a consumer-tested, internetbased College Dashboard website. The College Dashboard will provide students with key pieces of prominently displayed information 

on enrollment, completion, net price, and average loan debt. Additionally, the College Dashboard will provide wage data collected by 

the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and a link to campus safety 

information. Through links to other webpages, the College Dashboard also will supply consumers with additional disaggregated enrollment and completion information on key populations of students. 

The Secretary is currently only required by law to publish information regarding first-time students who attend classes full-time, 

ignoring the majority of the current college population. To ensure 

students and families are provided a more complete picture of the 

higher education landscape, the legislation requires the Commissioner of Education Statistics (Commissioner) to ensure completion 

data is reflective of all students, both traditional and contemporary 

students alike. Additionally, the legislation allows students to easily compare institutions as they make their college decisions and 

requires the Secretary to provide a link to the College Dashboard 

page for each institution listed on a student’s Free Application for 

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. To avoid duplication and reduce confusion for students, the legislation directs the Secretary to 

coordinate with other federal agencies to ensure all published higher education data is consistent with information available on the 

College Dashboard. 

The legislation improves existing institutional net price calculators to ensure students are able to easily find the calculators and 

understand information provided by the calculators. Under H.R. 

3178, calculators will now be clearly labeled as a net price calculator and must be prominently, clearly, and conspicuously posted 

on an institution’s website where other information on costs and 

student aid is available. Calculators must provide information on 

net price, cost of attendance, available grant aid, and veterans’ 

educational benefits. The legislation prohibits any personally identifiable information provided by users on institutional net price calculators from being sold or made available to third parties. 

COMMITTEE VIEWS

Introduction 

Selecting a college or university is a personal decision for students and their families, with many different variables involved in 

the decision-making process. To assist them in this decision, the 

federal government has taken steps in recent years to improve data 


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1http://edworkforce.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=308347. 

collection and transparency in higher education, with better data 

ideally resulting in more informed choices. The Higher Education 

Opportunity Act, the 2008 reauthorization of the Higher Education 

Act (HEA), required colleges and universities to make information 

about price, financial aid, and basic facts and figures—such as student demographics and graduation rates—readily available to the 

public. There are numerous other federal transparency initiatives 

currently available to students and their families, authorized under 

HEA and created by various federal entities. However, instead of 

providing clarity, these initiatives add more confusion by presenting conflicting or redundant information with limited opportunity to compare different education options. Further complicating 

matters, available data does not include a large portion of the current college-going population or capture all crucial information students and families need to view and understand the entire landscape of higher education. 

Despite attempts by the federal government to improve data collection and transparency in the higher education system, students 

and families still struggle to access and understand information 

helpful in selecting the right postsecondary institution for their 

unique situations. Meanwhile, higher education leaders have raised 

concerns about the excessive federal data reporting requirements, 

some of which are duplicative of state and local efforts. 

Ensuring straightforward and useful college data 

To help students and families make more informed decisions 

about their higher education options, Subcommittee Chairwoman 

Virginia Foxx (R–NC) and Reps. Luke Messer (R–IN) and Gregorio 

Sablan (D–MP) introduced H.R. 3178, the Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act. The legislation streamlines the 

majority of federal transparency initiatives authorized under the 

HEA into one consumer-tested website, the College Dashboard, 

which will prominently display the key pieces of information students need when deciding which school to attend. 

During an April 24, 2013, hearing entitled ‘‘Keeping College 

Within Reach: Enhancing Transparency for Students, Families, 

and Taxpayers,’’ the Committee on Education and the Workforce 

Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training explored opportunities to streamline and improve higher education 

data for students. At the hearing, Mr. Travis Reindl, Program Director for the Education Division at the National Governors Association, urged Congress to take up such an effort: 

Simpler and clearer should be a goal for federal efforts. 

The upcoming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act 

provides a prime opportunity for the [sic] Congress to review all of the existing dashboards, report cards, and data 

tools for postsecondary education to determine whether 

and how they are being used and if there are opportunities 

for streamlining or consolidation.1

The reauthorization of HEA is an opportunity for the Committee 

to re-evaluate the usefulness of some federal transparency initiatives and data collections. H.R. 3178 repeals the College Navigator, 


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2https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d14/tables/dt14_303.40.asp. 3http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=98. 

the College Affordability and Transparency Lists, the State Higher 

Education Spending Chart, and the Multi-year Tuition Calculator. 

Under the bill, the Secretary is no longer required to publish institutional information a student could easily find on the institution’s 

website, such as mission, average college admission test scores, 

percentage of students accepted each year, number of degrees 

awarded, and most popular majors offered. Instead, H.R. 3178 creates a streamlined and consumer-tested College Dashboard that 

will prominently display important data points on each institution 

that will help students and families make an informed decision, 

such as the size and type of the institution, the net price to attend, 

the average federal student loan debt of a borrower upon graduation, and the completion rates of students who attend the institution. Additionally, the legislation ensures the College Dashboard allows students to easily compare this information to other institutions, disaggregated by key demographic areas, including race, socioeconomic level, and disability status. 

The Committee appreciates the value of the various non-federal 

efforts to provide consumer information to students, such as the 

College Portrait, which was created as a part of Voluntary System 

of Accountability developed by the Association of Public and Landgrant Universities and the American Association of State Colleges, 

and the University & College Accountability Network, which was 

created by the National Association of Independent Colleges and 

Universities. The Committee continues to believe institutions of 

higher education are an important resource for providing current 

and potential students with information they need and want to 

know. Institutions should continue to provide students with relevant information through both individual institutional efforts and 

collaborative projects like those described above. 

The Committee notes there are a number of federal agencies in 

addition to the U.S. Department of Education that collect and publicly report information on colleges and universities, including, but 

not limited to, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. 

Department of Defense, and the Consumer Financial Protection 

Bureau. To avoid duplication and reduce confusion for students, 

H.R. 3178 directs the Secretary to coordinate with these other federal agencies to ensure all published higher education data is consistent with information available on the College Dashboard. 

Making higher education data relevant for contemporary students 

Over the last 10 years, the dynamics of higher education have 

shifted dramatically. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), non-traditional or contemporary students 

now comprise a majority of all undergraduates.2 This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with NCES expecting enrollments of students older than 25 to rise by almost 15 percent between 2013 and 2024.3 Despite their growing majority, these contemporary students are largely ignored in the current higher education data collection efforts. Under current law, the Secretary is 

only required to publish information regarding first-time students 

who attend classes full-time, generally leaving out those students 


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4http://www.studentachievementmeasure.org/. 

5http://edworkforce.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=398748. 

6http://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/budget17/justifications/n-sao.pdf. 

who are older, have families or jobs, attend school part-time, or 

have previous college experience. To ensure the federal government 

provides a complete picture of the higher education landscape, the 

Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act requires the 

Commissioner to ensure completion data is reflective of all students, both traditional and contemporary. H.R. 3178 also requires 

the publishing of information on the cost per credit hour, or the 

credit hour equivalency, on the College Dashboard, so students who 

attend school less than full-time are able to have a cost estimate 

more relevant to them. 

The Committee appreciates the efforts made by the higher education community to create better and more comprehensive completion metrics that include a larger percentage of the current collegegoing population. Particularly, the Committee believes the Student 

Achievement Measure 4 and the efforts of the Committee on Measures for Student Success provide a good foundation for the Commissioner on Education Statistics’ development of more robust completion metrics that also include transfer students. The Committee 

expects the Commissioner on Education Statistics to consult these 

entities and others during the development of the metrics. 

To provide more relevant information about institutions to students and families, the College Dashboard, on subsequent pages 

linked from the main page, will provide consumers with additional 

disaggregated enrollment and completion information on key student populations. Under H.R. 3178, institutions are required to report completion data, specifically for Pell Grant recipients as well 

as borrowers of both subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct 

Stafford loans. Dr. Michelle Cooper, President of the Institute for 

Higher Education Policy, noted at the April 30 2015, Committee on 

Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education 

and Workforce Training hearing entitled ‘‘Improving College Access 

and Completion for Low-Income and First-Generation Students’’ 

that ‘‘[f]or first-generation and low-income students, having access 

to clear and reliable information is critical.’’ 5 The federal govern- ment is on track to spend more than $128 billion on federal student 

aid this year.6 Policymakers need more accurate data on whether 

these dollars are actually helping students graduate. H.R. 3178 

helps not only students and families, but also taxpayers and policymakers understand the impact of federal student aid dollars. 

In recent years, states, researchers, business leaders, and members of Congress have also discussed the possibility of reporting the 

salaries of college graduates from public and private universities. 

However, the Committee is concerned that meaningful post-graduation earnings data is not currently collected by institutions and to 

report this data would place an enormous burden on institutions. 

Additionally, the Committee has significant concerns about the implications on student privacy of requiring this type of data collection. Furthermore, the Committee believes earnings data alone is 

not necessarily an appropriate measure by which students and 

families can assess the value of an institution. At the April 24, 

2013, Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on 

Higher Education and Workforce Training hearing entitled ‘‘KeepVerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Jul 14, 2016 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR674.XXX HR674

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7http://www.careeronestop.org/SalariesBenefits/Sal_default.aspx. 8http://edworkforce.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=330710. 

ing College Within Reach: Enhancing Transparency for Students, 

Families, and Taxpayers,’’ Dr. Donald Heller, Dean of the College 

of Education at Michigan State University, noted the potential 

complications with relying solely on post-graduation earnings to determine the value of a college or university: 

While there are important vocational training components of many postsecondary programs, a college education—whether it is one that leads to a bachelor’s degree 

or not—confers returns to the individual and society that 

cannot be valued only by the simple measurement of an individual’s wages in her first job after college. 

However, as college costs continue to increase, the Committee 

recognizes the importance of giving potential students a picture of 

the return they can expect on their investment in higher education. 

H.R. 3178 requires the Secretary to provide a link to data from the 

BLS on national and regional starting salaries for each occupation 

on each institution’s College Dashboard page. The Committee believes the U.S. Department of Labor’s ‘‘Career One Stop’’ website 7

displays this information in a way students and families can easily 

understand, and the Committee suggests using this link on the 

College Dashboard. This information will allow students to see 

what they could potentially earn in a particular occupation and 

then to decide if those earnings match up to the cost of the institution under consideration. 

Ensuring effective delivery of information to students and families 

The Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act requires the Secretary, in consultation with other relevant agencies, 

to conduct consumer testing of the College Dashboard. By engaging 

relevant stakeholders, the Committee hopes to ensure information 

on the College Dashboard is presented in the most user-friendly 

manner possible to assist students and families searching for the 

institution of higher education that best fits their unique needs. 

Stakeholders include current and prospective college students, family members of students, institutions of higher education, and higher education experts. Based on consumer testing, the Secretary is 

required to report to Congress any recommendations for changes to 

the information required to be provided on the College Dashboard. 

Despite the deluge of federal resources available, when interviewed, students and families often cite areas and modes of research that are different than what policymakers in Washington 

expect. More often than not, students and families rely on information acquired first-hand or they simply choose the school closest to 

their homes, rather than using empirical information provided by 

the federal government. At the April 24, 2013, Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and 

Workforce Training hearing, Mr. Alexander Garrido, a student at 

Keiser University in Miami, Florida, stated, ‘‘I was not aware of 

any navigation tools from the Department of Education, which was 

why my decision was based mostly on my visit and the support of 

my friends and family.’’ 8


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9 Ibid. 

Recognizing many students are simply unaware of the resources 

provided by the federal government to assist in their college search, 

H.R. 3178 instructs the Secretary to provide a link to the College 

Dashboard page for each institution listed on a student’s FAFSA 

form. This ensures students are provided with the information they 

need to make knowledgeable decisions about college options at the 

time they are making those decisions. 

At the same hearing, Dr. Donald Heller summarized the current 

task before policymakers: 

[T]he Internet has greatly helped to democratize access 

to information. What it has not done as successfully, however, has been to help people get access to the right information to meet their needs. And it is critical that we help 

prospective students to get the right information in their 

hands at the necessary times.9

Students and families may be deterred from using federal transparency resources for a variety of reasons, including their exceptional length or complicated and inconsistent delivery of information. The Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act ensures the information required to be provided by the U.S. Department of Education is not only helpful information, but also that it 

is easily understandable and provided to students at the appropriate time. 

Conclusion 

With over 7,000 public, private, nonprofit, and proprietary institutions of higher education, the American higher education system 

affords students from all backgrounds multiple options to find an 

institution that meet their unique needs. The Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act takes an important step toward 

strengthening our higher education system by improving transparency and ensuring all students and families have access to the 

information they need to make the best decisions about their education. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Short title 

States the short title is the Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act. 

Section 2. College dashboard website 

Amends section 132 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure published transparency data includes information on more 

than just first-time students. Repeals the College Navigator, the 

College Affordability and Transparency Lists, the State Higher 

Education Spending Chart, and the Multi-year Tuition Calculator 

required under section 132. 

Directs the Secretary to develop and make publicly available a 

College Dashboard website that includes aggregated information on 

enrollment, completion, cost, financial aid, and faculty listed in 

simple and understandable terms for each institution of higher 

education that participates in a program under Title IV of the 


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Higher Education Act of 1965. Directs the Secretary to publish 

disaggregated rates for various student groups on other Internet 

webpages that linked to through the College Dashboard. 

Directs the Secretary to conduct consumer testing to ensure the 

College Dashboard is usable, easily understandable, and provides 

useful and relevant information to students and families. Requires 

the Secretary to submit to the authorizing committees any recommendations based on the results of consumer testing for changing the information required to be provided on the College Dashboard. 

Requires the Secretary to provide to each student submitting a 

FAFSA a link to the webpage of the College Dashboard website for 

each institution of higher education the student includes on the 

FAFSA. 

Directs the Secretary to coordinate with other federal agencies to 

ensure all published higher education data is consistent with information available on the College Dashboard. 

Section 3. Net price calculators 

Amends section 132 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to set 

minimum requirements for net price calculators regarding their design, placement on institutions’ websites, and information required 

to be included. 

Prohibits any personally identifiable information provided by 

users on institutional net price calculators from being sold or made 

available to third parties. 

Section 4. Funding 

Provides for $1,000,000 of the funds authorized to be appropriated to the U.S. Department of Education to maintain the College Navigator website to carry out this act, and specifies no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated by this act. 

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

The amendments, including the amendment in the nature of a 

substitute, are explained in the body of this report. 

APPLICATION OF LAW TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104–1 requires a description of 

the application of this bill to the legislative branch. H.R. 3178, the 

Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act, streamlines 

and improves the information about institutions of higher education made available by the Secretary of Education (Secretary) to 

help students and families make more informed decisions about 

postsecondary education options. 

UNFUNDED MANDATE STATEMENT

Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (as amended by Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, P.L. 104–4) requires a statement of whether the 

provisions of the reported bill include unfunded mandates. This 

issue is addressed in the CBO letter. 


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EARMARK STATEMENT

H.R. 3178 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited 

tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of 

House Rule XXI. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

In accordance with clause (3)(c) of House Rule XIII, the goals of 

H.R. 3178 are to streamline and improve the information about institutions of higher education made available by the Secretary of 

Education to help students and families make more informed decisions about postsecondary education options. 

DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

No provision of H.R. 3178 establishes or reauthorizes a program 

of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the 

Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 

21 of Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 

DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTED RULE MAKINGS

The committee estimates that enacting H.R. 3178 does not specifically direct the completion of any specific rule makings within 

the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 551. 

STATEMENT OF OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF

THE COMMITTEE

In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause 2(b)(1) 

of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the committee’s oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in the 

body of this report. 

NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY AND CBO COST ESTIMATE

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of 

the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a) of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect to requirements 

of clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the 

committee has received the following estimate for H.R. 3178 from 

the Director of the Congressional Budget Office: 

U.S. CONGRESS, 

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, 

Washington, DC, July 5, 2016. 

Hon. JOHN KLINE, Chairman, 

Committee on Education and the Workforce, 

House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 3178, the Strengthening 

Transparency in Higher Education Act. 


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If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased 

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Justin Humphrey. 

Sincerely, 

KEITH HALL. 

Enclosure. 

H.R. 3178—Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act 

H.R. 3178 would reserve $1 million from funding for the Department of Education to replace the current College Navigator website 

with a new website and would change the type of information that 

the website would need to provide. The bill also would amend the 

requirements for the department’s net-price calculator, which provides details on the costs of post-secondary education. 

CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3178 would cost $1 million for 

administrative costs over the 2017–2021 period; such spending 

would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting 

the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, 

pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. 

CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3178 would not increase net 

direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 

10-year periods beginning in 2027. 

H.R. 3178 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would 

impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. 

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Justin Humphrey. The 

estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant 

Director for Budget Analysis. 

COMMITTEE COST ESTIMATE

Clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison of the costs 

that would be incurred in carrying out H.R. 3178. However, clause 

3(d)(2)(B) of that rule provides that this requirement does not 

apply when the committee has included in its report a timely submitted cost estimate of the bill prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the Congressional 

Budget Act. 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

and existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in 

roman): 

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE I—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

* * * * * * * 


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PART C—COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION 

SEC. 131. IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKET INFORMATION AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION. 

(a) IMPROVED DATA COLLECTION.— (1) DEVELOPMENT OF UNIFORM METHODOLOGY.—The Secretary shall direct the Commissioner of Education Statistics to 

convene a series of forums to develop nationally consistent 

methodologies for reporting costs incurred by postsecondary institutions in providing postsecondary education. 

(2) REDESIGN OF DATA SYSTEMS.—On the basis of the methodologies developed pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary 

shall redesign relevant parts of the postsecondary education 

data systems to improve the usefulness and timeliness of the 

data collected by such systems. 

(3) INFORMATION TO INSTITUTIONS.—The Commissioner of 

Education Statistics shall— 

(A) develop a standard definition for the following data 

elements: 

(i) tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate 

student; 

(ii) cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate 

student, consistent with the provisions of section 472; 

(iii) average amount of financial assistance received 

by an undergraduate student who attends an institution of higher education, including— 

(I) each type of assistance or benefit described 

in section 428(a)(2)(C)(ii); 

(II) fellowships; and 

(III) institutional and other assistance; and 

(iv) number of students receiving financial assistance described in each of subclauses (I), (II), and (III) 

of clause (iii); 

(B) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 

of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, report the 

definitions to each institution of higher education and 

within a reasonable period of time thereafter inform the 

authorizing committees of those definitions; and 

(C) collect information regarding the data elements described in subparagraph (A) with respect to at least all institutions of higher education participating in programs 

under title IV, beginning with the information from academic year 2000–2001 and annually thereafter. 

(b) DATA DISSEMINATION.—The Secretary shall make available 

the data collected pursuant to subsection (a). Such data shall be 

available in a form that permits the review and comparison of the 

data submissions of individual institutions of higher education. 

Such data shall be presented in a form that is easily understandable and allows parents and students to make informed decisions 

based on the costs for typical full-time undergraduate students. 

(c) STUDY.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commissioner of Education Statistics 

shall conduct a national study of expenditures at institutions 

of higher education. Such study shall include information with 

respect to— 


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(A) the change in tuition and fees compared with the 

consumer price index and other appropriate measures of 

inflation; 

(B) faculty salaries and benefits; 

(C) administrative salaries, benefits and expenses; 

(D) academic support services; 

(E) research; 

(F) operations and maintenance; and 

(G) institutional expenditures for construction and technology and the potential cost of replacing instructional 

buildings and equipment. 

(2) EVALUATION.—The study shall include an evaluation of— 

(A) changes over time in the expenditures identified in 

paragraph (1); 

(B) the relationship of the expenditures identified in 

paragraph (1) to college costs; and 

(C) the extent to which increases in institutional financial aid and tuition discounting practices affect tuition increases, including the demographics of students receiving 

such discounts, the extent to which financial aid is provided to students with limited need in order to attract a 

student to a particular institution, and the extent to which 

Federal financial aid, including loan aid, has been used to 

offset the costs of such practices. 

(3) FINAL REPORT.—The Commissioner of Education Statistics shall submit a report regarding the findings of the study 

required by paragraph (1) to the appropriate committees of 

Congress not later than September 30, 2002. 

(4) HIGHER EDUCATION MARKET BASKET.—The Bureau of 

Labor Statistics, in consultation with the Commissioner of 

Education Statistics, shall develop a higher education market 

basket that identifies the items that comprise the costs of higher education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shall provide a report on the market basket to the Committee on Labor and 

Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives not 

later than September 30, 2002. 

(5) FINES.—In addition to actions authorized in section 

487(c), the Secretary may impose a fine in an amount not to 

exceed $25,000 on an institution of higher education for failing 

to provide the information described in paragraph (1) in a 

timely and accurate manner, or for failing to otherwise cooperate with the National Center for Education Statistics regarding 

efforts to obtain data on the cost of higher education under this 

section and pursuant to the program participation agreement 

entered into under section 487. 

(d) PROMOTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FEDERAL

STUDENT FINANCIAL AID WEBSITE.—The Secretary shall display a 

link to the Federal student financial aid website of the Department 

in a prominent place on the homepage of the Department’s website. 

(e) ENHANCED STUDENT FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION.— (1) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary shall continue to improve the usefulness and accessibility of the information provided by the Department on college planning and student financial aid. 


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(2) DISSEMINATION.—The Secretary shall continue to make 

the availability of the information on the Federal student financial aid website of the Department widely known, through 

a major media campaign and other forms of communication. 

(3) COORDINATION.—As a part of the efforts required under 

this subsection, the Secretary shall create one website accessible from the Department’s website that fulfills the requirements under subsections (b), (f), and (g). 

(f) IMPROVED AVAILABILITY AND COORDINATION OF INFORMATION

CONCERNING STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS FOR MILITARY

MEMBERS AND VETERANS.— (1) COORDINATION.—The Secretary, in coordination with the 

Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 

shall create a searchable website that— 

(A) contains information, in simple and understandable 

terms, about all Federal and State student financial assistance, readmission requirements under section 484C, and 

other student services, for which members of the Armed 

Forces (including members of the National Guard and Reserves), veterans, and the dependents of such members or 

veterans may be eligible; and 

(B) is easily accessible through the website described in 

subsection (e)(3). 

(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than one year after the date 

of enactment of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the 

Secretary shall make publicly available the Armed Forces information website described in paragraph (1). 

(3) DISSEMINATION.—The Secretary, in coordination with the 

Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 

shall make the availability of the Armed Forces information 

website described in paragraph (1) widely known to members 

of the Armed Forces (including members of the National Guard 

and Reserves), veterans, the dependents of such members or 

veterans, States, institutions of higher education, and the general public. 

(4) DEFINITION.—In this subsection, the term ‘‘Federal and 

State student financial assistance’’ means any grant, loan, 

work assistance, tuition assistance, scholarship, fellowship, or 

other form of financial aid for pursuing a postsecondary education that is— 

(A) administered, sponsored, or supported by the Department of Education, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a State; and 

(B) available to members of the Armed Forces (including 

members of the National Guard and Reserves), veterans, 

or the dependents of such members or veterans. 

(g) PROMOTION OF AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION CONCERNING

OTHER STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS.— 

(1) DEFINITION.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 

‘‘nondepartmental student financial assistance program’’ means 

any grant, loan, scholarship, fellowship, or other form of financial aid for students pursuing a postsecondary education that 

is— 

(A) distributed directly to the student or to the student’s 

account at an institution of higher education; and 


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(B) operated, sponsored, or supported by a Federal department or agency other than the Department of Education. 

(2) AVAILABILITY OF OTHER STUDENT FINANCIAL AID INFORMA- TION.—The Secretary shall ensure that— 

(A) not later than 90 days after the Secretary receives 

the information required under paragraph (3), the eligibility requirements, application procedures, financial terms 

and conditions, and other relevant information for each 

nondepartmental student financial assistance program are 

searchable and accessible through the Federal student financial aid website in a manner that is simple and understandable for students and the students’ families; and 

(B) the website displaying the information described in 

subparagraph (A) includes a link to the National Database 

on Financial Assistance for the Study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics pursuant to paragraph (4), and the information on military benefits under 

subsection (f), once such Database and information are 

available. 

(3) NONDEPARTMENTAL STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PRO- GRAMS.—The Secretary shall request all Federal departments 

and agencies to provide the information described in paragraph 

(2)(A), and each Federal department or agency shall— 

(A) promptly respond to surveys or other requests from 

the Secretary for the information described in such paragraph; and 

(B) identify for the Secretary any nondepartmental student financial assistance program operated, sponsored, or 

supported by such Federal department or agency. 

(4) NATIONAL STEM DATABASE.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall establish and 

maintain, on the website described in subsection (e)(3), a 

National Database on Financial Assistance for the Study 

of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (in 

this paragraph referred to as the ‘‘STEM Database’’). The 

STEM Database shall consist of information on scholarships, fellowships, and other programs of Federal, State, 

local, and, to the maximum extent practicable, private financial assistance available for the study of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at the postsecondary 

and postbaccalaureate levels. 

(B) DATABASE CONTENTS.—The information maintained 

on the STEM Database shall be displayed on the website 

in the following manner: 

(i) SEPARATE INFORMATION.—The STEM Database 

shall provide separate information for each of the 

fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and for postsecondary and postbaccalaureate 

programs of financial assistance. 

(ii) INFORMATION ON TARGETED ASSISTANCE.—The 

STEM Database shall provide specific information on 

any program of financial assistance that is targeted to 

individuals based on financial need, merit, or student 

characteristics. 


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(iii) CONTACT AND WEBSITE INFORMATION.—The 

STEM Database shall provide— 

(I) standard contact information that an interested person may use to contact a sponsor of any 

program of financial assistance included in the 

STEM Database; and 

(II) if such sponsor maintains a public website, 

a link to the website. 

(iv) SEARCH AND MATCH CAPABILITIES.—The STEM 

Database shall— 

(I) have a search capability that permits an individual to search for information on the basis of 

each category of the information provided through 

the STEM Database and on the basis of combinations of categories of the information provided, including— 

(aa) whether the financial assistance is 

need- or merit-based; and 

(bb) by relevant academic majors; and 

(II) have a match capability that— 

(aa) searches the STEM Database for all financial assistance opportunities for which an 

individual may be qualified to apply, based on 

the student characteristics provided by such 

individual; and 

(bb) provides information to an individual 

for only those opportunities for which such individual is qualified, based on the student 

characteristics provided by such individual. 

(v) RECOMMENDATION AND DISCLAIMER.—The STEM 

Database shall provide, to the users of the STEM 

Database— 

(I) a recommendation that students and families 

should carefully review all of the application requirements prior to applying for any aid or program of student financial assistance; and 

(II) a disclaimer that the non-Federal programs 

of student financial assistance presented in the 

STEM Database are not provided or endorsed by 

the Department or the Federal Government. 

(C) COMPILATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION.—In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary 

shall— 

(i) consult with public and private sources of scholarships, fellowships, and other programs of student financial assistance; and 

(ii) make easily available a process for such entities 

to provide regular and updated information about the 

scholarships, fellowships, or other programs of student 

financial assistance. 

(D) CONTRACT AUTHORIZED.—In carrying out the requirements of this paragraph, the Secretary is authorized to 

enter into a contract with a private entity with demonstrated expertise in creating and maintaining databases 

such as the one required under this paragraph, under 


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which contract the entity shall furnish, and regularly update, all of the information required to be maintained on 

the STEM Database. 

(5) DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.—The Secretary shall 

take such actions, on an ongoing basis, as may be necessary to 

disseminate information under this subsection and to encourage the use of the information by interested parties, including 

sending notices to secondary schools and institutions of higher 

education. 

(h) NO USER FEES FOR DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES.— No fee shall be charged to any individual to access— 

(1) a database or website of the Department that provides information about higher education programs or student financial assistance, including the øCollege Navigator¿ College 

Dashboard website (or successor website) and the websites and 

databases described in this section and section 132; or 

(2) information about higher education programs or student 

financial assistance available through a database or website of 

the Department. 

SEC. 132. TRANSPARENCY IN COLLEGE TUITION FOR CONSUMERS. 

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

ø(1) COLLEGE NAVIGATOR WEBSITE.—The term ‘‘College Navigator website’’ means the College Navigator website operated 

by the Department and includes any successor website.¿ 

(1) COLLEGE DASHBOARD WEBSITE.—The term ‘‘College Dashboard website’’ means the College Dashboard website required 

under subsection (d). 

(2) COST OF ATTENDANCE.—The term ‘‘cost of attendance’’ 

means the average annual cost of tuition and fees, room and 

board, books, supplies, and transportation for an institution of 

higher education for a øfirst-time,¿ full-time undergraduate 

student enrolled in the institution. 

(3) NET PRICE.—The term ‘‘net price’’ means the average 

yearly price actually charged to øfirst-time,¿ full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an institution of 

higher education after deducting such aid, which shall be determined by calculating the difference between— 

(A) the institution’s cost of attendance for the year for 

which the determination is made; and 

(B) the quotient of— 

(i) the total amount of need-based grant aid and 

merit-based grant aid, from Federal, State, and institutional sources, provided to such students enrolled in 

the institution for such year; and 

(ii) the total number of such students receiving such 

need-based grant aid or merit-based grant aid for such 

year. 

(4) TUITION AND FEES.—The term ‘‘tuition and fees’’ means 

the average annual cost of tuition and fees for an institution 

of higher education for øfirst-time,¿ full-time undergraduate 

students enrolled in the institution. 

(b) CALCULATIONS FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.—In making the calculations regarding cost of attendance, net price, and tuition and 

fees under this section with respect to a public institution of higher 

education, the Secretary shall calculate the cost of attendance, net 


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price, and tuition and fees at such institution in the manner described in subsection (a), except that— 

(1) the cost of attendance, net price, and tuition and fees 

shall be calculated for øfirst-time,¿ full-time undergraduate 

students enrolled in the institution who are residents of the 

State in which such institution is located; and 

(2) in determining the net price, the average need-based 

grant aid and merit-based grant aid described in subsection 

(a)(3)(B) shall be calculated based on the average total amount 

of such aid received by øfirst-time,¿ full-time undergraduate 

students who are residents of the State in which such institution is located, divided by the total number of such resident 

students receiving such need-based grant aid or merit-based 

grant aid at such institution. 

ø(c) COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY LISTS.— 

ø(1) AVAILABILITY OF LISTS.—Beginning July 1, 2011, the 

Secretary shall make publicly available on the College Navigator website, in a manner that is sortable and searchable by 

State, the following: 

ø(A) A list of the five percent of institutions in each category described in subsection (d) that have the highest tuition and fees for the most recent academic year for which 

data are available. 

ø(B) A list of the five percent of institutions in each such 

category that have the highest net price for the most recent academic year for which data are available. 

ø(C) A list of the five percent of institutions in each such 

category that have the largest increase, expressed as a 

percentage change, in tuition and fees over the most recent 

three academic years for which data are available, using 

the first academic year of the three-year period as the base 

year to compute such percentage change. 

ø(D) A list of the five percent of institutions in each such 

category that have the largest increase, expressed as a 

percentage change, in net price over the most recent three 

academic years for which data are available, using the 

first academic year of the three-year period as the base 

year to compute such percentage change. 

ø(E) A list of the ten percent of institutions in each such 

category that have the lowest tuition and fees for the most 

recent academic year for which data are available. 

ø(F) A list of the ten percent of institutions in each such 

category that have the lowest net price for the most recent 

academic year for which data are available. 

ø(2) ANNUAL UPDATES.—The Secretary shall annually update 

the lists described in paragraph (1) on the College Navigator 

website. 

ø(d) CATEGORIES OF INSTITUTIONS.—The lists described in subsection (c)(1) shall be compiled according to the following categories 

of institutions that participate in programs under title IV: 

ø(1) Four-year public institutions of higher education. 

ø(2) Four-year private, nonprofit institutions of higher education. 

ø(3) Four-year private, for-profit institutions of higher education. 


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ø(4) Two-year public institutions of higher education. 

ø(5) Two-year private, nonprofit institutions of higher education. 

ø(6) Two-year private, for-profit institutions of higher education. 

ø(7) Less than two-year public institutions of higher education. 

ø(8) Less than two-year private, nonprofit institutions of 

higher education. 

ø(9) Less than two-year private, for-profit institutions of 

higher education. 

ø(e) REPORTS BY INSTITUTIONS.— 

ø(1) REPORT TO SECRETARY.—If an institution of higher education is included on a list described in subparagraph (C) or 

(D) of subsection (c)(1), the institution shall submit to the Secretary a report containing the following information: 

ø(A) A description of the major areas in the institution’s 

budget with the greatest cost increases. 

ø(B) An explanation of the cost increases described in 

subparagraph (A). 

ø(C) A description of the steps the institution will take 

toward the goal of reducing costs in the areas described in 

subparagraph (A). 

ø(D) In the case of an institution that is included on the 

same list under subparagraph (C) or (D) of subsection 

(c)(1) for two or more consecutive years, a description of 

the progress made on the steps described in subparagraph 

(C) of this paragraph that were included in the institution’s report for the previous year. 

ø(E) If the determination of any cost increase described 

in subparagraph (A) is not within the exclusive control of 

the institution— 

ø(i) an explanation of the extent to which the institution participates in determining such cost increase; 

ø(ii) the identification of the agency or instrumentality of State government responsible for determining 

such cost increase; and 

ø(iii) any other information the institution considers 

relevant to the report. 

ø(2) INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC.—The Secretary shall— 

ø(A) issue an annual report that summarizes all of the 

reports by institutions required under paragraph (1) to the 

authorizing committees; and 

ø(B) publish such report on the College Navigator 

website. 

ø(f) EXEMPTIONS.— 

ø(1) IN GENERAL.—An institution shall not be placed on a list 

described in subparagraph (C) or (D) of subsection (c)(1), and 

shall not be subject to the reporting required under subsection 

(e), if the dollar amount of the institution’s increase in tuition 

and fees, or net price, as applicable, is less than $600 for the 

three-year period described in such subparagraph. 

ø(2) UPDATE.—Beginning in 2014, and every three years 

thereafter, the Secretary shall update the dollar amount described in paragraph (1) based on annual increases in inflation, 


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using the Consumer Price Index for each of the three most recent preceding years. 

ø(g) STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SPENDING CHART.—The Secretary 

shall annually report on the College Navigator website, in charts 

for each State, comparisons of— 

ø(1) the percentage change in spending by such State per 

full-time equivalent student at all public institutions of higher 

education in such State, for each of the five most recent preceding academic years; 

ø(2) the percentage change in tuition and fees for such students for all public institutions of higher education in such 

State for each of the five most recent preceding academic 

years; and 

ø(3) the percentage change in the total amount of need-based 

aid and merit-based aid provided by such State to full-time 

students enrolled in the public institutions of higher education 

in the State for each of the five most recent preceding academic years.¿ 

ø(h)¿ (c) NET PRICE CALCULATOR.— 

(1) DEVELOPMENT OF NET PRICE CALCULATOR.—Not later 

than one year after the date of enactment of theHigher Education Opportunity Act, the Secretary shall, in consultation 

with institutions of higher education and other appropriate experts, develop a net price calculator to help current and prospective students, families, and other consumers estimate the 

individual net price of an institution of higher education for a 

student. The calculator shall be developed in a manner that 

enables current and prospective students, families, and consumers to determine an estimate of a current or prospective 

student’s individual net price at a particular institution. 

(2) CALCULATION OF INDIVIDUAL NET PRICE.—For purposes of 

this subsection, an individual net price of an institution of 

higher education shall be calculated in the same manner as the 

net price of such institution is calculated under subsection 

(a)(3), except that the cost of attendance and the amount of 

need-based and merit-based aid available shall be calculated 

for the individual student as much as practicable. 

(3) USE OF NET PRICE CALCULATOR BY INSTITUTIONS.—Not 

later than two years after the date on which the Secretary 

makes the calculator developed under paragraph (1) available 

to institutions of higher education, each institution of higher 

education that receives Federal funds under title IV shall 

make publicly available on the institution’s website a net price 

calculator to help current and prospective students, families, 

and other consumers estimate a student’s individual net price 

at such institution of higher education. Such calculator may be 

a net price calculator developed— 

(A) by the Department pursuant to paragraph (1); or 

(B) by the institution of higher education, if the institution’s calculator includes, at a minimum, the same data 

elements included in the calculator developed under paragraph (1). 

(4) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR NET PRICE CALCULATORS.— 

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the 

Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act, a net 


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price calculator for an institution of higher education shall 

meet the following requirements: 

(A) The link for the calculator shall— 

(i) be clearly labeled as a net price calculator and 

prominently, clearly, and conspicuously posted in locations on the website of such institution where information on costs and aid is provided and any other location that the institution considers appropriate; and 

(ii) match in size and font to the other prominent 

links on the webpage where the link for the calculator 

is displayed. 

(B) The webpage displaying the results for the calculator 

shall specify at least the following information: 

(i) The net price (as calculated under subsection 

(a)(2)) for such institution, which shall be the most visually prominent figure on the results screen. 

(ii) Cost of attendance, including— 

(I) tuition and fees; 

(II) average annual cost of room and board for 

the institution for a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the institution; 

(III) average annual cost of books and supplies 

for a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in 

the institution; and 

(IV) estimated cost of other expenses (including 

personal expenses and transportation) for a fulltime undergraduate student enrolled in the institution. 

(iii) Estimated total need-based grant aid and meritbased grant aid from Federal, State, and institutional 

sources that may be available to a full-time undergraduate student. 

(iv) Percentage of the full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the institution that received any type 

of grant aid described in clause (iii). 

(v) The disclaimer described in paragraph (6). 

(vi) In the case of a calculator that— 

(I) includes questions to estimate the eligibility 

of a student or prospective student for veterans’ 

education benefits (as defined in section 480) or 

educational benefits for active duty service members, such benefits are displayed on the results 

screen in a manner that clearly distinguishes such 

benefits from the grant aid described in clause 

(iii); or 

(II) does not include questions to estimate eligibility for the benefits described in subclause (I), the 

results screen indicates that certain students (or 

prospective students) may qualify for such benefits 

and includes a link to information about such benefits. 

(C) The institution shall populate the calculator with 

data from an academic year that is not more than 2 academic years prior to the most recent academic year. 


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(5) PROHIBITION ON USE OF DATA COLLECTED BY THE NET

PRICE CALCULATOR.—A net price calculator for an institution of 

higher education shall— 

(A) clearly indicate which questions are required to be 

completed for an estimate of the net price from the calculator; 

(B) in the case of a calculator that requests contact information from users, clearly mark such requests as optional 

and provide for an estimate of the net price from the calculator without requiring users to enter such information; 

and 

(C) prohibit any personally identifiable information provided by users from being sold or made available to third 

parties. 

ø(4)¿ (6) DISCLAIMER.—Estimates of an individual net price 

determined using a net price calculator required under paragraph (3) shall be accompanied by a clear and conspicuous notice— 

(A) stating that the estimate— 

(i) does not represent a final determination, or actual award, of financial assistance; 

(ii) shall not be binding on the Secretary, the institution of higher education, or the State; and 

(iii) may change; 

(B) stating that the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 483 

in order to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial 

aid award that includes Federal grant, loan, or work-study 

assistance under title IV; and 

(C) including a link to the website of the Department 

that allows students to access the Free Application for 

Federal Student Aid described in section 483. 

ø(i) CONSUMER INFORMATION.— 

ø(1) AVAILABILITY OF TITLE IV INSTITUTION INFORMATION.— 

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of 

theHigher Education Opportunity Act, the Secretary shall 

make publicly available on the College Navigator website, in 

simple and understandable terms, the following information 

about each institution of higher education that participates in 

programs under title IV, for the most recent academic year for 

which satisfactory data are available: 

ø(A) A statement of the institution’s mission. 

ø(B) The total number of undergraduate students who 

applied to, were admitted by, and enrolled in the institution. 

ø(C) For institutions that require SAT or ACT scores to 

be submitted, the reading, writing, mathematics, and combined scores on the SAT or ACT, as applicable, for the 

middle 50 percent range of the institution’s freshman 

class. 

ø(D) The number of first-time, full-time, and part-time 

students enrolled at the institution, at the undergraduate 

and (if applicable) graduate levels. 


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ø(E) The number of degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who have 

transferred from another institution. 

ø(F) The percentages of male and female undergraduate 

students enrolled at the institution. 

ø(G) Of the first-time, full-time, degree- or certificateseeking undergraduate students enrolled at the institution— 

ø(i) the percentage of such students who are from 

the State in which the institution is located; 

ø(ii) the percentage of such students who are from 

other States; and 

ø(iii) the percentage of such students who are international students. 

ø(H) The percentages of first-time, full-time, degree- or 

certificate-seeking students enrolled at the institution, 

disaggregated by race and ethnic background. 

ø(I) The percentage of undergraduate students enrolled 

at the institution who are formally registered with the office of disability services of the institution (or the equivalent office) as students with disabilities, except that if such 

percentage is three percent or less, the institution shall report ‘‘three percent or less’’. 

ø(J) The percentages of first-time, full-time, degree- or 

certificate-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at the 

institution who obtain a degree or certificate within— 

ø(i) the normal time for completion of, or graduation 

from, the student’s program; 

ø(ii) 150 percent of the normal time for completion 

of, or graduation from, the student’s program; and 

ø(iii) 200 percent of the normal time for completion 

of, or graduation from, the student’s program; 

ø(K) The number of certificates, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees, professional degrees, 

and doctoral degrees awarded by the institution. 

ø(L) The undergraduate major areas of study at the institution with the highest number of degrees awarded. 

ø(M) The student-faculty ratio, the number of full-time 

and part-time faculty, and the number of graduate assistants with primarily instructional responsibilities, at the institution. 

ø(N)(i) The cost of attendance for first-time, full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the institution who live 

on campus; 

ø(ii) the cost of attendance for first-time, full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the institution who live off 

campus; and 

ø(iii) in the case of a public institution of higher education and notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), the costs described in clauses (i) and (ii), for— 

ø(I) first-time, full-time students enrolled in the institution who are residents of the State in which the 

institution is located; and 

ø(II) first-time, full-time students enrolled in the institution who are not residents of such State. 


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ø(O) The average annual grant amount (including Federal, State, and institutional aid) awarded to a first-time, 

full-time undergraduate student enrolled at the institution 

who receives financial aid. 

ø(P) The average annual amount of Federal student 

loans provided through the institution to undergraduate 

students enrolled at the institution. 

ø(Q) The total annual grant aid awarded to undergraduate students enrolled at the institution, from the 

Federal Government, a State, the institution, and other 

sources known by the institution. 

ø(R) The percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduate students enrolled at the institution receiving 

Federal, State, and institutional grants, student loans, and 

any other type of student financial assistance known by 

the institution, provided publicly or through the institution, such as Federal work-study funds. 

ø(S) The number of students enrolled at the institution 

receiving Federal Pell Grants. 

ø(T) The institution’s cohort default rate, as defined 

under section 435(m). 

ø(U) The information on campus safety required to be 

collected under section 485(i). 

ø(V) A link to the institution’s website that provides, in 

an easily accessible manner, the following information: 

ø(i) Student activities offered by the institution. 

ø(ii) Services offered by the institution for individuals with disabilities. 

ø(iii) Career and placement services offered by the 

institution to students during and after enrollment. 

ø(iv) Policies of the institution related to transfer of 

credit from other institutions. 

ø(W) A link to the appropriate section of the Bureau of 

Labor Statistics website that provides information on regional data on starting salaries in all major occupations. 

ø(X) Information required to be submitted under paragraph (4) and a link to the institution pricing summary 

page described in paragraph (5). 

ø(Y) In the case of an institution that was required to 

submit a report under subsection (e)(1), a link to such report. 

ø(Z) The availability of alternative tuition plans, which 

may include guaranteed tuition plans. 

ø(2) ANNUAL UPDATES.—The Secretary shall annually update 

the information described in paragraph (1) on the College Navigator website. 

ø(3) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall regularly consult 

with current and prospective college students, family members 

of such students, institutions of higher education, and other experts to improve the usefulness and relevance of the College 

Navigator website, with respect to the presentation of the consumer information collected in paragraph (1). 

ø(4) DATA COLLECTION.—The Commissioner for Education 

Statistics shall continue to update and improve the Integrated 

Postsecondary Education Data System (referred to in this secVerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Jul 14, 2016 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6601 E:\HR\OC\HR674.XXX HR674

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tion as ‘‘IPEDS’’), including the reporting of information by institutions and the timeliness of the data collected. 

ø(5) INSTITUTION PRICING SUMMARY PAGE.— ø(A) AVAILABILITY OF LIST OF PARTICIPATING INSTITU- TIONS.—The Secretary shall make publicly available on the 

College Navigator website in a sortable and searchable format a list of all institutions of higher education that participate in programs under title IV, which list shall, for 

each institution, include the following: 

ø(i) The tuition and fees for each of the three most 

recent academic years for which data are available. 

ø(ii) The net price for each of the three most recent 

available academic years for which data are available. 

ø(iii)(I) During the period beginning July 1, 2010, 

and ending June 30, 2013, the net price for students 

receiving Federal student financial aid under title IV, 

disaggregated by the income categories described in 

paragraph (6), for the most recent academic year for 

which data are available. 

ø(II) Beginning July 1, 2013, the net price for students receiving Federal student financial aid under 

title IV, disaggregated by the income categories described in paragraph (6), for each of the three most recent academic years for which data are available. 

ø(iv) The average annual percentage change and average annual dollar change in such institution’s tuition and fees for each of the three most recent academic years for which data are available. 

ø(v) The average annual percentage change and average annual dollar change in such institution’s net 

price for each of the three most recent preceding academic years for which data are available. 

ø(vi) A link to the webpage on the College Navigator 

website that provides the information described in 

paragraph (1) for the institution. 

ø(B) ANNUAL UPDATES.—The Secretary shall annually 

update the lists described in subparagraph (A) on the College Navigator website. 

ø(6) INCOME CATEGORIES.— ø(A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of reporting the information required under this subsection, the following income categories shall apply for students who receive Federal student financial aid under title IV: 

ø(i) $0–30,000. 

ø(ii) $30,001–48,000. 

ø(iii) $48,001–75,000. 

ø(iv) $75,001–110,000. 

ø(v) $110,001 and more. 

ø(B) ADJUSTMENT.—The Secretary may adjust the income categories listed in subparagraph (A) using the Consumer Price Index if the Secretary determines such adjustment is necessary.¿ 

(d) CONSUMER INFORMATION.— 

(1) AVAILABILITY OF TITLE IV INSTITUTION INFORMATION.— 

The Secretary shall develop and make publicly available a 


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website to be known as the ‘‘College Dashboard website’’ in accordance with this section and prominently display on such 

website, in simple, understandable, and unbiased terms for the 

most recent academic year for which satisfactory data are available, the following information with respect to each institution 

of higher education that participates in a program under title 

IV: 

(A) A link to the website of the institution. 

(B) An identification of the type of institution as one of 

the following: 

(i) A four-year public institution of higher education. 

(ii) A four-year private, nonprofit institution of higher education. 

(iii) A four-year private, for-profit institution of higher education. 

(iv) A two-year public institution of higher education. 

(v) A two-year private, nonprofit institution of higher 

education. 

(vi) A two-year private, for-profit institution of higher 

education. 

(vii) A less than two-year public institution of higher 

education. 

(viii) A less than two-year private, nonprofit institution of higher education. 

(ix) A less than two-year private, for-profit institution 

of higher education. 

(C) The number of students enrolled at the institution— 

(i) as undergraduate students; and 

(ii) as graduate students, if applicable. 

(D) The student-faculty ratio. 

(E) The percentage of degree-seeking or certificate-seeking 

undergraduate students enrolled at the institution who obtain a degree or certificate within— 

(i) 100 percent of the normal time for completion of, 

or graduation from, the program in which the student 

is enrolled; 

(ii) 150 percent of the normal time for completion of, 

or graduation from, the program in which the student 

is enrolled; and 

(iii) 200 percent of the normal time for completion of, 

or graduation from, the program in which the student 

is enrolled. 

(F) The average net price per year for undergraduate students receiving Federal student financial aid under title IV 

based on an income category selected by the user from a list 

containing the following income categories: 

(i) $0 to $30,000. 

(ii) $30,001 to $48,000. 

(iii) $48,001 to $75,000. 

(iv) $75,001 to $110,000. 

(v) $110,001 to $150,000. 

(vi) Over $150,000. 

(G) A link to the net price calculator for such institution. 

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rowed Federal student loans under title IV, and the average Federal student loan debt incurred by an undergraduate student who obtained a certificate or degree from 

the institution and borrowed Federal student loans under 

title IV in the course of obtaining such certificate or degree. 

(I) A link to national and regional data from the Bureau 

of Labor Statistics on starting salaries in all major occupations. 

(J) A link to the webpage of the institution containing 

campus safety data with respect to such institution. 

(2) OTHER INFORMATION.—The Secretary shall publish on 

Internet webpages that are linked to through the College Dashboard website for the most recent academic year for which satisfactory data is available the following information with respect 

to each institution of higher education that participates in a 

program under title IV: 

(A) ENROLLMENT.— 

(i) The percentages of male and female undergraduate students enrolled at the institution. 

(ii) The percentages of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution— 

(I) full-time; and 

(II) less than full-time. 

(iii) In the case of an institution other than an institution that provides all courses and programs through 

distance education, of the undergraduate students enrolled at the institution— 

(I) the percentage of such students who are from 

the State in which the institution is located; 

(II) the percentage of such students who are from 

other States; and 

(III) the percentage of such students who are 

international students. 

(iv) The percentages of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution, disaggregated by— 

(I) race and ethnic background; 

(II) classification as a student with a disability; 

(III) recipients of a Federal Pell Grant; 

(IV) recipients of assistance under a tuition assistance program conducted by the Department of 

Defense under section 1784a or 2007 of title 10, 

United States Code, or other authorities available 

to the Department of Defense or veterans’ education benefits (as defined in section 480); and 

(V) recipients of a Federal student loan under 

title IV. 

(B) COMPLETION.—The information required under paragraph (1)(E), disaggregated by— 

(i) recipients of a Federal Pell Grant; 

(ii) recipients of a loan made under part D of title IV 

(other than a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford 

Loan) who did not receive a Federal Pell Grant; 

(iii) individuals who did not receive a Federal Pell 

Grant or a loan made under part D of title IV (other 

than a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan); 


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(iv) race and ethnic background; 

(v) classification as a student with a disability; and 

(vi) recipients of assistance under a tuition assistance 

program conducted by the Department of Defense 

under section 1784a or 2007 of title 10, United States 

Code, or other authorities available to the Department 

of Defense or veterans’ education benefits (as defined in 

section 480). 

(C) COSTS.— 

(i) The cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate 

students enrolled in the institution who live on campus. 

(ii) The cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the institution who live 

off campus. 

(iii) The cost of tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the institution. 

(iv) The cost of tuition and fees per credit hour or 

credit hour equivalency for undergraduate students enrolled in the institution less than full time. 

(v) In the case of a public institution of higher education (other than an institution described in clause 

(vi)) and notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), the costs 

described in clauses (i) and (ii) for— 

(I) full-time students enrolled in the institution 

who are residents of the State in which the institution is located; and 

(II) full-time students enrolled in the institution 

who are not residents of such State. 

(vi) In the case of a public institution of higher education that offers different tuition rates for students 

who are residents of a geographic subdivision smaller 

than a State and students not located in such geographic subdivision and notwithstanding subsection 

(b)(1), the costs described in clauses (i) and (ii) for— 

(I) full-time students enrolled at the institution 

who are residents of such geographic subdivision; 

(II) full-time students enrolled at the institution 

who are residents of the State in which the institution is located but not residents of such geographic 

subdivision; and 

(III) full-time students enrolled at the institution 

who are not residents of such State. 

(D) FINANCIAL AID.— 

(i) The average annual grant amount (including Federal, State, and institutional aid) awarded to an undergraduate student enrolled at the institution who receives financial aid. 

(ii) The percentage of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution receiving Federal, State, and 

institutional grants, student loans, and any other type 

of student financial assistance known by the institution, provided publicly or through the institution, such 

as Federal work-study funds. 


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(iii) The cohort default rate (as defined in section 

435(m)) for such institution. 

(E) FACULTY INFORMATION.— 

(i) The ratio of the number of course sections taught 

by part-time instructors to the number of course sections taught by full-time faculty, disaggregated by 

course sections intended primarily for undergraduate 

students and course sections intended primarily for 

graduate students. 

(ii) The mean and median years of employment for 

part-time instructors. 

(3) OTHER DATA MATTERS.— 

(A) COMPLETION DATA.—The Commissioner of Education 

Statistics shall ensure that the information required under 

paragraph (1)(E) includes information with respect to all 

students at an institution, including students other than 

first-time, full-time students and students who transfer to 

another institution, in a manner that the Commissioner 

considers appropriate. 

(B) ADJUSTMENT OF INCOME CATEGORIES.—The Secretary 

may annually adjust the range of each of the income categories described in paragraph (1)(F) to account for a 

change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics if 

the Secretary determines an adjustment is necessary. 

(4) INSTITUTIONAL COMPARISON.—The Secretary shall include 

on the College Dashboard website a method for users to easily 

compare the information required under paragraphs (1) and (2) 

between institutions. 

(5) UPDATES.— 

(A) DATA.—The Secretary shall update the College Dashboard website not less than annually. 

(B) TECHNOLOGY AND FORMAT.—The Secretary shall regularly assess the format and technology of the College 

Dashboard website and make any changes or updates that 

the Secretary considers appropriate. 

(6) CONSUMER TESTING.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—In developing and maintaining the 

College Dashboard website, the Secretary, in consultation 

with appropriate departments and agencies of the Federal 

Government, shall conduct consumer testing with appropriate persons, including current and prospective college 

students, family members of such students, institutions of 

higher education, and experts, to ensure that the College 

Dashboard website is usable and easily understandable 

and provides useful and relevant information to students 

and families. 

(B) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES.—The Secretary 

shall submit to the authorizing committees any recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate for 

changing the information required to be provided on the 

College Dashboard website under paragraphs (1) and (2) 

based on the results of the consumer testing conducted 

under subparagraph (A). 


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(7) PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE LINKS TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AFTER SUBMISSION OF FAFSA.—The Secretary shall provide to each student who submits a Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid described in section 483 a link to the webpage of 

the College Dashboard website that contains the information required under paragraph (1) for each institution of higher education such student includes on such Application. 

(8) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—The Secretary, in consultation with each appropriate head of a department or agency of 

the Federal Government, shall ensure to the greatest extent 

practicable that any information related to higher education 

that is published by such department or agency is consistent 

with the information published on the College Dashboard 

website. 

(9) REFERENCES TO COLLEGE NAVIGATOR WEBSITE.—Any reference in this Act to the College Navigator website shall be considered a reference to the College Dashboard website. 

ø(j) MULTI-YEAR TUITION CALCULATOR.— 

ø(1) DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-YEAR TUITION CALCULATOR.— 

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of 

theHigher Education Opportunity Act, the Secretary shall, in 

consultation with institutions of higher education, financial 

planners, and other appropriate experts, develop a multi-year 

tuition calculator to help current and prospective students, 

families of such students, and other consumers estimate the 

amount of tuition an individual may pay to attend an institution of higher education in future years. 

ø(2) CALCULATION OF MULTI-YEAR TUITION.—The multi-year 

tuition calculator described in paragraph (1) shall— 

ø(A) allow an individual to select an institution of higher 

education for which the calculation shall be made; 

ø(B) calculate an estimate of tuition and fees for each 

year of the normal duration of the program of study at 

such institution by— 

ø(i) using the tuition and fees for such institution, 

as reported under subsection (i)(5)(A)(i), for the most 

recent academic year for which such data are reported; 

and 

ø(ii) determining an estimated annual percentage 

change for each year for which the calculation is 

made, based on the annual percentage change in such 

institution’s tuition and fees, as reported under subsection (i)(5)(A)(iv), for the most recent three-year period for which such data are reported; 

ø(C) calculate an estimate of the total amount of tuition 

and fees to complete a program of study at such institution, based on the normal duration of such program, using 

the estimate calculated under subparagraph (B) for each 

year of the program of study; 

ø(D) provide the individual with the option to replace 

the estimated annual percentage change described in subparagraph (B)(ii) with an alternative annual percentage 

change specified by the individual, and calculate an estimate of tuition and fees for each year and an estimate of 


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the total amount of tuition and fees using the alternative 

percentage change; 

ø(E) in the case of an institution that offers a multi-year 

tuition guarantee program, allow the individual to have 

the estimates of tuition and fees described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) calculated based on the provisions of 

such guarantee program for the tuition and fees charged 

to a student, or cohort of students, enrolled for the duration of the program of study; and 

ø(F) include any other features or information determined to be appropriate by the Secretary. 

ø(3) AVAILABILITY AND COMPARISON.—The multi-year tuition 

calculator described in paragraph (1) shall be available on the 

College Navigator website and shall allow current and prospective students, families of such students, and consumers to compare information and estimates under this subsection for multiple institutions of higher education. 

ø(4) DISCLAIMER.—Each calculation of estimated tuition and 

fees made using the multi-year tuition calculator described in 

paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by a clear and conspicuous 

notice— 

ø(A) stating that the calculation— 

ø(i) is only an estimate and not a guarantee of the 

actual amount the student may be charged; 

ø(ii) is not binding on the Secretary, the institution 

of higher education, or the State; and 

ø(iii) may change, subject to the availability of financial assistance, State appropriations, and other 

factors; 

ø(B) stating that the student must complete the Free 

Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 

483 in order to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial aid award that includes Federal grant, loan, or workstudy assistance under title IV; and 

ø(C) including a link to the website of the Department 

that allows students to access the Free Application for 

Federal Student Aid described in section 483.¿ 

ø(k)¿ (e) STUDENT AID RECIPIENT SURVEY.— (1) SURVEY REQUIRED.—The Secretary, acting through the 

Commissioner for Education Statistics, shall conduct, on a 

State-by-State basis, a survey of recipients of Federal student 

financial aid under title IV— 

(A) to identify the population of students receiving such 

Federal student financial aid; 

(B) to describe the income distribution and other socioeconomic characteristics of recipients of such Federal student financial aid; 

(C) to describe the combinations of aid from Federal, 

State, and private sources received by such recipients from 

all income categories; 

(D) to describe the— 

(i) debt burden of such loan recipients, and their capacity to repay their education debts; and 

(ii) the impact of such debt burden on the recipients’ 

course of study and post-graduation plans; 


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(E) to describe the impact of the cost of attendance of 

postsecondary education in the determination by students 

of what institution of higher education to attend; and 

(F) to describe how the costs of textbooks and other instructional materials affect the costs of postsecondary education for students. 

(2) FREQUENCY.—The survey shall be conducted on a regular 

cycle and not less often than once every four years. 

(3) SURVEY DESIGN.—The survey shall be representative of 

students from all types of institutions, including full-time and 

part-time students, undergraduate, graduate, and professional 

students, and current and former students. 

(4) DISSEMINATION.—The Commissioner for Education Statistics shall disseminate to the public, in printed and electronic 

form, the information resulting from the survey. 

ø(l) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary is authorized to issue such 

regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.¿ 

* * * * * * * 

Æ 


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