Bills · HR 3153
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3153Education
Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 1· LAST ACTION MAY 1
READING
16MIN
COSPONSORS
3
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because applying for and affording college is a major decision for many families, and the financial information provided by colleges can often be confusing. Different schools use different terms and layouts for their financial aid offers, making it very difficult for students and parents to compare the "true cost" of attending one institution versus another. This confusion can lead to students taking on more debt than necessary or choosing a school they can't truly afford.
If this bill becomes law, it would bring much-needed clarity and transparency to the college application process. Voters should care because it could empower students and families to make better financial decisions about higher education, potentially reducing student loan debt and ensuring they understand exactly what they're committing to financially. Without this law, the current fragmented system continues, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and potentially misled by complex or inconsistent financial aid offers.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of Education to develop a single, standard financial aid offer form and common terminology for all colleges.
This ensures students receive consistent, easy-to-understand information when comparing financial aid offers from different schools.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that the standard form clearly lists all direct and indirect college costs first, followed by grants and scholarships, separately from each other.
This helps students and families quickly see the full cost and the "free money" available before considering loans.
PROVISION 03
Requires the form to calculate and display a "net price," which is the estimated cost after grants and scholarships, and to clearly present information about student loans.
This provides a crucial estimate of out-of-pocket expenses and gives students critical information about repayment obligations for any loans.
PROVISION 04
Specifies that the form must include details on how to accept, adjust, or decline aid, deadlines, payment information for direct costs, and contact information for support.
This streamlines the administrative process and ensures students know the next steps and where to get help with their financial aid.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
54
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 3 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 1
Introduced in House
MAY 1
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3153
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 1, 2025
Last actionMay 1, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 1, 2025
House BillHR 3153Education
Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAY 1, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 1, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
16 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
