Jan 12, 2024 10:08 PM EST By Joy Liwanag, UniversityHerald Reporter

In a significant move to address the escalating student loan crisis and soaring higher education costs, Representative Virginia Foxx, a North Carolina Republican, introduced the College Cost Reduction Act.

This sweeping House bill aims to reshape the student loan system, cap student borrowing, and hold colleges and universities accountable for unpaid loans. With a focus on accountability, transparency, and affordability, the proposed legislation is positioned as a bipartisan effort to tackle the root causes of the astronomical levels of student loan debt in America.

The Need for Reform

The introduction of the College Cost Reduction Act comes amid a growing consensus among Democrats and Republicans that student loan debt has reached unsustainable levels, hindering the aspirations of students seeking postsecondary education. Representative Foxx points to the inflated cost of obtaining a college degree as the primary culprit and underscores the pressing need for reforms. The bill is poised to become a key instrument in implementing crucial measures to benefit students and their families.

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Key Provisions

1. Capping Student Borrowing

The centerpiece of the bill is a cap on how much students can borrow for higher education. This move is designed to curb excessive student loan debt and ensure that students and their families are not burdened with unmanageable financial obligations after graduation.

2. Incentives for Colleges

The legislation introduces new incentives for colleges and universities to control their costs. Institutions must provide upfront information about the total cost of an entire degree program, ensuring transparency, and guarantee that this cost will not change. Failure to comply may result in institutions losing access to enhanced Pell Grants and a new performance-based grant program.

3. Enhanced Pell Grants

Building on bipartisan support, the bill includes the Pell Plus Act of 2023. This component aims to double the maximum Pell Grant award for juniors and seniors on track to graduate on time, enrolled in bachelor's degree programs considered to have a high return on investment.

4. Accreditation Focus on Student Outcomes

The legislation calls for accrediting agencies to prioritize student outcomes in their reviews of higher education institutions. This shift towards evaluating success metrics aims to ensure that colleges are delivering on their promises and providing value to students.

5. Accreditation Process Reforms

In addition to emphasizing student outcomes, the bill creates a pathway for new accrediting agencies to receive federal recognition. This change promotes diversity and competition within the accreditation process, potentially leading to improved oversight and accountability.

6. Rolling Back Regulations

The College Cost Reduction Act takes aim at rolling back certain regulations, including the Biden administration's gainful-employment rule. It also restricts the Education Department's authority to issue new rules on the topic. These measures are intended to provide colleges with more flexibility while ensuring that accountability remains a priority.

As the latest proposal in a series of efforts to reform the Higher Education Act of 1965, the College Cost Reduction Act seeks to address the pressing issues of student loan debt and the exorbitant cost of higher education. With its multifaceted approach, including capping student borrowing, introducing incentives for colleges, and enhancing Pell Grants, the bill aims to create a more transparent, accountable, and affordable higher education system. The ongoing bipartisan discussions around these reforms indicate a shared recognition of the need for comprehensive change to ensure the accessibility and sustainability of higher education in the United States.

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