Reps. Krishnamoorthi, Kelly Bonamici, and Sherrill, Senators Warren and Cassidy, Re-Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral College Transparency Act to Increase Families’ Access to Available Information in Higher Education Opportunities

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA), Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) re-introduced the College Transparency Act (CTA), bipartisan legislation designed to ensure students and families have better access to the data they need to make informed decisions about higher education. A companion bill was re-introduced in the Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

“Deciding where to pursue higher education is one of the most important and financially challenging choices a student and their family will face,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “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.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi has long championed educational access, and the CTA builds on his ongoing efforts to lower college costs and improve postsecondary outcomes for all Americans.

“Every student deserves access to clear information about colleges and universities so they can choose a school that’s best for them, and that’s exactly what our bill would do. The College Transparency Act would make sure basic information like enrollment, transfer, and graduation rates are available to students and their families so they can make informed decisions about their futures,” Senator Warren said.

“Pursuing higher education is a major investment for New Jersey families, and can open doors to the middle class and good-paying jobs,” Congresswoman Sherrill said. “In order to make the critical decision of where to study, families should have access to transparent, student-level data. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to ensure that students and parents are empowered to make an informed choice on which school is right for them.”

Choosing the right college is a consequential decision for students and families,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “Unfortunately, institutions of higher education have limited student-level data that families can consider as they make these decisions. This lack of data also impedes the ability of lawmakers to craft policies that improve our system of higher education. I’m glad to join Rep. Krishnamoorthi in introducing the bipartisan College Transparency Act to modernize postsecondary data systems while protecting student privacy and data security.”

“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,” Dr. Cassidy said. “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.”

“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,” Congressman Kelly said. “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.”

The legislation modernizes the college reporting system by providing accurate, privacy-protected data on student outcomes including enrollment, graduation, transfer, and post-college earnings across institutions and fields of study. This transparency will allow students to better assess their return on investment and help policymakers, educators, and employers understand how to improve postsecondary education and workforce alignment.

The CTA has a broad, bipartisan coalition of supporters in both chambers. In the Senate, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

The CTA is supported by a wide range of educational, policy, and industry groups, including AccessLex Institute, Advance CTE, Advance Illinois, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and many others.

“CCA is grateful for the bi-partisan reintroduction of the College Transparency Act. This critical policy lever will enable students to make more informed decisions about their path to a college degree or credential of value. This tool will also provide policymakers with the information they need to bolster accountability across higher education institutions and systems,” Yolanda Watson Spiva, Ph.D., President, Complete College America, said.

“We thank the bipartisan sponsors in the House and Senate for their leadership working to bolster transparency of higher education outcomes,” Waded Cruzado, President, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities said. “Where to attend college is a critically important decision for millions of students and families each year, and they should have robust data on labor market outcomes to inform their decision. The College Transparency Act would enable exactly this kind of transparency while also helping institutions and policymakers better understand how populations of students, such as student veterans, are succeeding to ensure the promise of higher education delivers.”

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the introduction of the College Transparency Act. This legislation will make postsecondary data available to students and employers, empowering students to make informed decisions about their education and career paths while equipping employers with the data necessary to connect with skilled talent. The College Transparency Act will strengthen our education system, enhance workforce competitiveness, and drive economic growth," Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said.

A full copy of the bill is available here.