Texas House Bill HB1118

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that public and private institutions of higher education provide certain cost and employment opportunity data for degree programs.

Impact

The introduction of this bill significantly influences state education policy by enforcing transparency among educational institutions. By requiring institutions to provide historical data about costs and outcomes, it aims to hold them accountable for the financial and vocational promises they make. The policy is considered a step towards improving educational standards and ensuring students are not misled regarding the value of their degrees. Such measures could help reduce student debt by promoting programs with higher returns on investment, ultimately improving the overall higher education landscape in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1118 mandates that both public and private institutions of higher education provide detailed data related to the costs and employment opportunities associated with their degree programs. Required information includes total costs, the expected time to complete the program, and potential job placements along with salary expectations for graduates. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency in higher education, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their educational investments.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1118 involve concerns about the feasibility of compliance among educational institutions, especially smaller private entities which may lack adequate resources to gather and report such detailed data. Additionally, there are discussions about the accuracy of the data provided, as historical trends may not always predict future job markets accurately, leading to potential disillusionment among students. This debate also highlights the tension between educating prospective students and the autonomy of schools in managing their financial and marketing strategies.