College Transparency Act
Summary
The College Transparency Act aims to establish a postsecondary student data system. This system will be managed by the Commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics. The goal is to evaluate student enrollment, completion, and post-collegiate outcomes, while also reducing the reporting burden on higher education institutions.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to the creation of a comprehensive database on postsecondary students. This database will track various metrics and outcomes. It also mandates data sharing agreements with several federal agencies to assess educational benefits and student outcomes.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in higher education data.
- Improved evaluation of student outcomes and enrollment patterns.
- Streamlined reporting processes for institutions.
- Better information for students and families making college decisions.
- Facilitated analysis of federal aid programs' effectiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential privacy concerns related to student data.
- Costs associated with developing and maintaining the data system.
- Risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
- Possible misuse of data by federal agencies, despite limitations.
- Burden on institutions to collect and submit detailed data.
Constitutional Alignment
The College Transparency Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes education and provides information to students. The Act includes provisions to protect data privacy, aligning with the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, although the amendment does not explicitly address data collection. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the federal government has a long history of involvement in education, particularly through funding and data collection.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).