S. 2511: College Transparency Act

The College Transparency Act aims to establish a new system for collecting and managing data on postsecondary students across the United States. Here is a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Purpose of the Bill

The main goal of this legislation is to create a secure data system that provides valuable information about students’ enrollment, progression, completion rates, and outcomes after graduation. This will help various stakeholders, including students, families, and educational institutions, make informed decisions regarding postsecondary education.

Key Features of the Postsecondary Student Data System

• Data Collection: The system will collect data on student enrollment patterns, progression toward degrees, completion rates, and post-college outcomes like employment and earnings. It will also assess the costs of higher education and the impact of financial aid.
• Customizable Information: The system aims to provide customizable reports for users, helping them compare different institutions and programs effectively.
• Reducing Reporting Burden: The new system is designed to lessen the reporting burden on institutions of higher education by streamlining data collection processes.
• Data Privacy and Security: The Act outlines specific provisions to ensure that the privacy and security of students’ personal information are respected and maintained.

Implementation Timeline

The bill mandates that the new data system be developed and made operational within four years after its enactment. During this period, the National Center for Education Statistics will oversee the creation and maintenance of the data system.

Advisory Committee

An Advisory Committee will be established within two years of the bill's enactment to provide guidance on data elements for inclusion in the system. The committee will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from higher education institutions, state agencies, and student groups.

Data Elements

• The Commissioner will determine the necessary data elements for the system, focusing on factors like:
  • Enrollment status
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Financial aid status
  • Metrics related to educational outcomes
• Certain data types are explicitly prohibited from being included, such as individual health records, student discipline records, and personal identifiers like exact addresses.

Data Sharing Agreements

The Act provides for data sharing agreements with other federal agencies to allow for comprehensive evaluations of educational outcomes and the effectiveness of federal aid programs.

Publicly Available Information

Summary statistics resulting from the data will be made publicly available through a user-friendly website, allowing users to analyze and compare postsecondary institutions without disclosing personally identifiable information.

Penalty for Unauthorized Disclosure

The bill establishes penalties for willfully disclosing personally identifiable information from the system, ensuring strict adherence to data protection regulations.

Feedback and Reporting

Institutions will receive regular feedback reports containing information about their students’ outcomes, which will help them enhance their programs and services.

Transition Provisions

The bill includes provisions to transition smoothly from existing data reporting systems to the new framework, aiming to minimize disruption for educational institutions already involved in data reporting.

Relevant Companies

None found.