Washington, D.C. — National Skills Coalition (NSC), the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) and 148 members of the Postsecondary Data Collaborative (PostsecData) released a letter of endorsement in support of the recently reintroduced College Transparency Act (CTA). The bipartisan legislation would help provide more complete information about college access, success, costs, and outcomes.
The Higher Education Act currently prohibits the Department of Education from collecting data on all postsecondary students. The Department’s existing College Scorecard, for example, only includes students receiving federal aid in its calculation of key metrics, like post-college earnings. This presents an incomplete picture of how well higher education and training programs are serving students. The College Transparency Act would overturn the outdated prohibition on data collection while also protecting student privacy.
“Every student, every worker, and every family deserves access to secure, transparent, and easily accessible data that lets them know exactly what education institutions and training programs will give them the best return on investment,” said Rachel Vilsack, Senior Fellow at National Skills Coalition. “College is the biggest financial investment that most students make besides buying a home. They have a right to more information about student outcomes, including data on enrollment, completion and post-college success across colleges and programs. This is particularly true for working learners who need to know how well a given program will meet their career goals while also balancing work, family and other obligations. The College Transparency Act would help make that happen. We look forward to working with policymakers to pass the legislation.”
The College Transparency Act represents broad consensus among students, colleges and universities, employers, and policymakers that a secure, privacy-protected postsecondary student data system is the only way to give students the information they need to make informed college choices.
National Skills Coalition (NSC) applauds Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Mikie Sherill (D-NJ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Bryan Steil (R-WI) for reintroducing the bill.
Letter of Endorsement: College Transparency Act
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