Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
College & Workforce Development Committee |
HB 2289
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Increasing tuition transparency at postsecondary educational institutions.
Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt and Gildon.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/14/20
Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).
Background:
Cost of Attendance.
Cost of attendance (COA) is the total amount it will cost for a student to attend college each year. For on-campus students, the COA includes tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and, if applicable, dependent care. Other related expenses may be included. Students receive COA information for the first academic year in acceptance letters.
Tuition Billing Statements.
Public institutions of higher education must disclose to their full-time equivalent resident students the following:
the full cost of instruction;
the amount collected from student tuition and fees; and
the difference between the amounts for the full cost of instruction and the student tuition fees.
The tuition billing statement must note that the difference between the cost of instruction and tuition was paid by state tax funds and other moneys.
Summary of Bill:
Acceptance Letters.
Beginning on August 1, 2020, institutions of higher education must provide to full-time resident students applying for undergraduate degree programs for the 2021-22 academic year, and the following years, predictive cost estimates in a student's letter of acceptance. Institutions may also include information on where students can access certain financial aid information.
"Predictive cost estimate" means a nonbinding estimate of the total cost to pursue a degree or certificate at the institution based on credit requirements and the typical time to completion, and must include projected increases in tuition and mandatory fees.
Tuition Increases.
The governing boards of the public institutions of higher education must consult with existing student associations or organizations with student undergraduate and graduate representatives regarding the impacts of potential tuition increases before the board may increase tuition. Before the governing board of the institution considers adopting the proposed increase, the proposal must be public for 21 days, and an opportunity for public comment allowed.
Tuition Billing Statements.
"Cost of instruction" is changed to "cost of attendance" for tuition billing statements. References are updated and outdated language is removed. The requirement that institutions note on the tuition billing statement that the difference between the cost of instruction and tuition was paid by state tax funds and other moneys is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 8, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.