Standardizing College Financial Aid Offers for Clearer Student Decisions.
This act mandates the standardization and simplification of college financial aid offer documents to improve transparency for citizens. Students and families will receive clear, consistent information about total costs, the difference between grants and loans, and estimated debt, enabling better-informed financial decisions. The new standardized forms will be mandatory starting July 2029.
Key points
All institutions receiving federal aid must use a standardized 'Financial Aid Offer' form, clearly separating grants (money that does not need to be repaid) from loans (debt).
Offers must detail the estimated total cost of attendance, the net price after grants, and specific information on loan interest rates and fees.
The Department of Education must consumer-test the new offer formats with students and families to ensure they are simple and easy to understand before implementation.
Colleges must disclose the requirements for renewing financial aid in future years and explain how outside aid might change the initial offer.
Placed on Calendar
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6502
Sponsor: Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9]
Process start date: 2025-12-09