Senators Marshall & Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Assist Families With Post-Secondary Education Choices
Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, in reintroducing the College Transparency Act. This legislation ensures that students and families have better information as they consider higher education opportunities by modernizing the college reporting system on student outcomes such as enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings across colleges and majors, while ensuring the privacy of individual students is securely protected.
“One of the biggest choices that students and their parents can make in their lifetimes is where – or whether – to attend college,” said Senator Marshall. “In this day and age of increased job insecurity for recent graduates and young workers, students should know what they’re getting into before making that choice. I am proud to support this common-sense legislation, which equips students with vital information about institutional outcomes, enabling them to make informed choices for their future.”
“The One Big Beautiful Bill made historic reforms to our broken higher education system, lowering college costs and increasing Americans’ access to quality education options,” said Senator Dr. Cassidy. “The College Transparency Act builds on that success by empowering students and families with information to make the best college decision so they can succeed.”
Senators Marshall and Cassidy were joined by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), and Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) in cosponsoring this legislation.
The House companion bill was introduced by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) and Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania).
“Deciding where to pursue higher education is one of the most important and financially challenging choices a student and their family will face,” said Representative Krishnamoorthi. “Before making such a major investment, families deserve access to reliable and clear information about cost, success, and outcomes so they can make the best choice. I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing the bipartisan College Transparency Act to ensure students and their families make the best-informed decision for their future.”
“College is one of the biggest investments a person will make in their lifetime. The College Transparency Act gives parents and students the tools they need to succeed,” said Representative Kelly. “This legislation empowers families to make the decision that is best for them, and it further sheds light on critical information families seek before beginning college.”
Click here for the full bill text.
Background:
- Additionally, CTA will give students a clear understanding of the return on investment in higher education and help them to make better decisions as to which schools and programs of study are best suited to their unique needs and desired outcomes.
- The CTA will also promote better outcomes by aiding institutions of learning and policymakers in their work to improve our country’s post-secondary education system and assist businesses and other employers in finding potential employees best suited for a particular field.
- Senator Marshall supported the introduction of the CTA back in 2023, and also introduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants—need-based education grants for lower-income individuals—to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time. Currently, students can only use Pell Grants for two- and four-year colleges and universities.
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Contact: Payton Fuller
