Affordability & Transparency (PA Act 69)
This page is continually updated as we integrate the Pennsylvania Department of Education's ongoing statutory requirements and reporting.
What is Act 69 of 2024?
PA Act 69 of 2024 for College Affordability and Transparency was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on July 17, 2024. The Act added three sections to the Public School Code:
Act Requirements
Student Fee Transparency (Section 2004-H)
Requirement Summary
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) must post online every mandatory fee in advance of the start of the academic term for which the fee will be charged and included on a tuition bill. The posting must include the purpose of the fee and a description of how it will be used.
| Requirement | Information / Link |
|---|---|
Clearly list all mandatory fees online before the start of each academic term in which those fees will be charged and included on a tuition bill. Post online the total amount of mandatory fees collected in the previous academic year along with a detailed breakdown of how each fee was used. |
Higher Education Cost Transparency (Section 2005-H)
Requirement Summary
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) must provide prospective students with extensive cost and financial aid information as part of the admission or financial aid offer process.
| Requirement | Information / Link |
|---|---|
| Share comprehensive information about costs and financial aid with prospective students during the admissions or financial aid offer process. | Financial Aid Programs & Disclosures |
| Include first-year tuition, a list of both mandatory and optional fees, detailed room and meal plan options, and estimated costs for books and supplies. | |
| Provide an estimate of financial aid options—including scholarships, grants, and loans—clearly indicating which types require repayment. | |
| Include information about student employment opportunities available. | |
| Share the net cost of attendance—total costs minus scholarships and grants—along with an estimate of the overall cost for future years. | |
| Provide details on whether financial aid is renewable each year, along with the requirements students must meet to maintain eligibility in future years. |
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| Offer a record of tuition rates from the previous academic year, along with projected tuition and fee estimates for each remaining year needed to complete the student’s major. |
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Exit Counseling (Section 2006-H)
Requirement Summary
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) must provide financial aid exit counseling to students at the end of their final academic term, unless a student elects not to participate. Federal Student Aid (FSA) Federal Loan Exit Counseling does not replace this requirement. Counseling may be in-person or online, and IHEs may partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency or a similar entity.
| Requirement | Information / Link |
|---|---|
| Provide a list of all available federal and state programs that may help with loan payments, reductions, or forgiveness—along with related websites and contact details when available | |
| Share all available student loan repayment options known to the IHE, including a link to an online repayment calculator, if available. | |
| Include information on when a student’s loan repayment begins, along with guidance on options for deferring or postponing repayment. | |
| If a student withdraws, they must still receive the same information. If counseling isn’t possible, the information must be mailed to their last known address. |
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Supplementary Information
Cost Estimators
Tuition, Fees, and Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid Information
Understanding Financial Aid