College Affordability and Transparency Act (Act 69 of 2024)
The College Affordability and Transparency Act (Act 69 of 2024) mandates that Higher Education Institutions (IHEs) provide more detailed financial information to students and offer financial aid exit counseling when a student completes their final academic term. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the legislation into law on July 17, 2024.
Student Fee Transparency
Student Fee Transparency (Section 2004-H)
Higher Education Institutions (IHEs) are required to publish all mandatory fees online prior to the start of the academic term during which the fee will be assessed. The information must include an explanation of the fee’s purpose and details on how it will be utilized.
| Requirement | Resource |
| Publish all mandatory fees online before the beginning of the academic term during which the fee will be applied and reflected on the tuition bill. |
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| Publish online the total amount of mandatory fees collected from the previous academic year, along with a detailed description of each fee and its purpose. | Financial Aid Portal |
Higher Education Cost Transparency
Higher Education Cost Transparency (Section 2005-H)
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| Requirement | Resource |
| Offer prospective students extensive information about costs and financial aid as part of the admission or financial aid application process. | Tuition & Fees |
| First year tuition, a list of both mandatory and optional fees, a breakdown of room and board choices, and the costs for books and supplies. | Tuition & Fees |
| Available student employment opportunities. | |
| The net cost of attendance (total costs minus scholarships and grants) along with an estimate of the overall cost for future years. | Net Price Calculator |
| Details on whether financial aid is renewable each year and the requirements for renewal in subsequent years. | |
| A record of tuition from the previous academic year, along with projected tuition and fee estimates for each year until the student completes their major. | Financial Aid Portal |
Exit Counseling
Exit Counseling (Section 2006-H)
Higher Education Institutions (IHEs) are required to offer financial aid exit counseling to students at the conclusion of their final academic term, unless the student chooses not to participate. This requirement is in addition to Federal Student Aid (FSA) Loan Exit Counseling. The counseling may be provided either in-person or online, and institutions may collaborate with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency or a similar organization.
| Requirement | Resource |
| A list of all available federal and state programs, including relevant websites and contact details, that can help with student loan payments, reductions, or forgiveness. | |
| A comprehensive list of all student loan repayment options known to the IHE, along with a link to an online student loan repayment calculator, if available. |
Student Loan Repayment Calculator
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| The start date for student loan repayment and details on how to postpone repayment. | |
| If a student withdraws, they must be provided with the same information. If counseling cannot be conducted, the information packet must be sent to the student’s last known address. |
For virtual or in-person loan or exit counseling, please contact your assigned financial aid counselor. |
