College Transparency Act

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Aug 19, 2026

Chamber

Senate

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
To President
Became Law

Overview

This bill, the College Transparency Act, establishes a postsecondary student data system designed to improve transparency and accountability in higher education. It requires the National Center for Education Statistics to develop and maintain a secure system that collects and analyzes student enrollment, completion, and financial data. The system aims to assist students, families, and policymakers in making informed decisions about postsecondary education, while also reducing the reporting burden on institutions. It also mandates periodic data matches with other federal agencies to enhance insights into student outcomes.

Key provisions

Establishes a postsecondary student data system managed by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Requires the system to include data on student enrollment, persistence, completion, and financial aid.
Mandates periodic data matches with other federal agencies (Treasury, Defense, Veterans Affairs, Census, etc.) to track student outcomes.
Prohibits the inclusion of sensitive data like health records, discipline records, and exact addresses.
Establishes a Postsecondary Student Data System Advisory Committee to guide the system's development and ensure it meets user needs.
Requires the system to be accessible to vetted research and evaluation purposes.
Establishes a process for students to request corrections to their data.
Prohibits the use of the data system for federal rankings or rating systems.

Who is affected

Bill text

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Jul 29, 2025XMLView source

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Legislative history

6 recorded actions

Jul 29, 2025Senate

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

Jul 29, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Jul 30, 2026Senate

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Aug 4, 2026Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 537.

Aug 4, 2026Senate

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Aug 4, 2026

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Geography

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No public positions recorded for this legislation.

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College Transparency Act

Progress