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HR 3178 114th Congress House

Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act

Official title: To simplify and streamline the information regarding institutions of higher education made publicly available by the Secretary of Education, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 8, 2016 Introduced by: Foxx, Virginia Republican · North Carolina See on congress.gov
Education Consumer affairsGovernment information and archivesGovernment lending and loan guaranteesHigher education
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Inflation and pricesInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaStudent aid and college costsTeaching, teachers, curriculaWages and earnings
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This bill died when the 114th Congress ended
It never became law before the 114th Congress (2015–2016) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 14 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 12, 2016
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Jul 11, 2016
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jul 11, 2016
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4603-4605)
Jul 11, 2016
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H4603-4605)
Jul 11, 2016
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3178.
Jul 11, 2016
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4603-4606)
Jul 11, 2016
Mr. Messer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Jul 11, 2016
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 522.
Jul 11, 2016
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. H. Rept. 114-674.
Jun 22, 2016
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Jun 22, 2016
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Nov 16, 2015
Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.
Jul 23, 2015
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Jul 23, 2015
Introduced in House
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 Latest action July 12, 2016

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title I (General Provisions) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify consumer information disclosure requirements related to college costs and student characteristics.

Specifically, it eliminates the existing restriction that limits calculations of cost of attendance, net price, and tuition and fees to first time students only.

Additionally, it eliminates provisions that require the Department of Education (ED) to make publicly available the following: (1) college affordability and transparency lists, (2) annual summaries of institutional reports, (3) state higher education spending charts; and (4) a multi-year tuition and fees calculator.

(Sec. 3) The bill directs ED to develop, annually update, and make publicly available a College Dashboard website to replace the College Navigator website.

It revises the consumer information ED must make publicly available regarding an institution that participates in federal student aid programs under title IV (Student Assistance). ED must also publish and link to the College Dashboard website additional information regarding student enrollment, completion rates, costs, use of financial aid, and faculty.

The bill establishes certain minimum requirements for an institution's net price calculator, including website location and information provided. Sale or distribution of personally identifiable information collected by a net price calculator is prohibited.

(Sec. 4) No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill.

 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
 Cosponsors 16
All 16 Democratic 6 Republican 6
D
Adams, Alma S.
North Carolina · Jul 8, 2016
 D
Courtney, Joe
Connecticut · Jul 8, 2016
 D
Pocan, Mark
Wisconsin · Jul 8, 2016
 R
Thompson, Glenn
Pennsylvania · Jul 8, 2016
 D
Wilson, Frederica S.
Florida · Jul 8, 2016
 R
Wilson, Joe
South Carolina · Jul 8, 2016
Curbelo, Carlos
· Jun 21, 2016
MacArthur, Thomas
· Sep 29, 2015
 R
Blackburn, Marsha
Tennessee · Sep 11, 2015
 R
Carter, Earl L. "Buddy"
Georgia · Jul 23, 2015
 D
DeSaulnier, Mark
California · Jul 23, 2015
Messer, Luke
· Jul 23, 2015
Sablan, Gregorio
· Jul 23, 2015
 D
Scott, Robert C. "Bobby"
Virginia · Jul 23, 2015
 R
Stefanik, Elise M.
New York · Jul 23, 2015
 R
Walberg, Tim
Michigan · Jul 23, 2015
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3178: Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act. 114th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HR-3178/
MLA
"H.R. 3178: Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act." 114th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HR-3178/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3178, 114th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HR-3178/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3178: Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/114-HR-3178/)
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