College Transparency Act
Sponsored By: Representative Krishnamoorthi
Introduced
Summary
Creates a privacy-protected Postsecondary Student Data System (PSDS) run by the National Center for Education Statistics to collect standardized student-level data for enrollment, completion, costs, and post-college outcomes and to power a public consumer website and analytic tools. The system would aim to improve transparency, reduce duplicative reporting, and provide institutions and states with program-level feedback.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Agency data matches to show earnings
Within 4 years, the Commissioner would set secure data-sharing deals with IRS, SSA, VA, DOD, Census, BLS, and Federal Student Aid. These matches would allow aggregate reporting of earnings, employment, grant and loan aid, debt, repayment, and completion by program and school. They would also help assess outcomes for servicemembers and veterans.
National college data tools for students
If enacted, the government would build a secure, student-level college data system within 4 years. A public site would let you sort and compare schools and programs by costs, aid, completion, and outcomes without personal data. An advisory committee would be formed within 2 years to help choose data elements, with reviews at least every 3 years. The site would offer filters and comparisons so families can see clear, summary results.
Stronger privacy and bans on misuse
The Commissioner would set strict privacy and security rules and require regular audits within 4 years. Willful disclosure of personal PSDS data would be illegal, carry penalties, and lead to dismissal for convicted federal staff. The bill would bar selling PSDS data to third parties. Agencies could not use personal PSDS data for law enforcement, debt collection, immigration actions, or to limit services to students.
Colleges would report student data
Title IV colleges would need to collect and submit requested student data when the system launches. Schools not in Title IV could join voluntarily. If a student-level item is barred by law, the school would send that item only in aggregate. The aim is to cut duplicate reporting once PSDS starts, with a related amendment taking effect 4 years after enactment.
Vetted researchers could use deidentified data
The Commissioner would create a secure process so approved researchers can use student-level data without direct identifiers. The NCES Disclosure Review Board would have to approve the process, and strict privacy rules would apply. Access would be limited to approved research and evaluation uses.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Krishnamoorthi
IL • D
Cosponsors
Kelly (PA)
PA • R
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Bonamici
OR • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Sherrill
NJ • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Fitzpatrick
PA • R
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Peters
CA • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Perez
WA • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Sherman
CA • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Castro (TX)
TX • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Stefanik
NY • R
Sponsored 8/5/2025
Nunn (IA)
IA • R
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Bacon
NE • R
Sponsored 11/4/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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