Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB733

Introduced
5/12/25  
Refer
5/12/25  

Caption

In higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for exit counseling.

Impact

The implications of SB733 on state laws are significant as it amends existing regulations surrounding higher educational practices. By mandating comprehensive exit counseling, the bill potentially alters the current landscape for how financial aid information is presented to students, ensuring they fully understand the consequences of their financial decisions. This change could further encourage institutions to adopt more robust financial education programs and support systems aimed at reducing student debt and promoting financial literacy among graduates.

Summary

Senate Bill 733 (SB733) addresses issues of accountability and transparency within higher education institutions, particularly focusing on the provisions related to exit counseling for students. The bill aims to enhance the understanding students have regarding their financial obligations upon graduation, thereby promoting informed decision-making regarding loans and other financial commitments incurred during their academic journey. By implementing stricter measures for exit counseling, the bill seeks to ensure that students are adequately prepared for post-college financial responsibilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB733 appears to be largely supportive, especially among educational advocates who view the measure as a step forward in protecting students' interests and enhancing transparency in financial dealings within universities. Proponents argue that informed graduates are better equipped to navigate the complexities of student loans and personal finance. However, concerns have been raised about the administrative burden this may place on institutions and whether the requirements will effectively lead to improved outcomes for students.

Contention

Despite the general agreement on promoting transparency and accountability in higher education, SB733 does face some contention. Critics highlight possible challenges regarding the implementation of the exit counseling provisions and question whether they will lead to meaningful change. Some argue that simply increasing counseling requirements does not address the root causes of student debt and may instead divert resources from other critical areas of student support. The debate thus centers not only on the necessity of enhanced counseling but also on the broader context of student financial well-being.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2152

In higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for comparison tool.

PA HB2398

In transfers of credits between institutions of higher education, further providing for definitions and for duties of public institutions of higher education, providing for guaranteed admission, for reports to General Assembly and for dispute resolution and further providing for Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee, for duties of department and for applicability; in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for definitions and providing for student fee transparency; and providing for institutions of higher education and Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program.

PA HB2519

In higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for comparison tool.

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

PA HB1579

Providing for Commonwealth grant accountability and transparency.

PA SB1248

Providing for institutions of higher education.

PA SB843

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission, for Basic Education Funding Commission and for Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness and providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; providing for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students, providing for enrollment of students and further providing for academic programs; in terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly reporting; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status; and abrogating regulations.

PA SB30

Providing for student loan debt data collection and report, for procedures for student loans, for disclosure of higher education costs, for a student loan ombudsman, for higher education assistance by employers, for duties of the Department of Education, Department of Banking and Securities and Department of Revenue; establishing the Student Loan Refinancing Program; authorizing the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to issue bonds to fund the Student Loan Refinancing Program; establishing the Student Loan Refinancing Fund; providing for student loan debt tax credit, for application for tax credit, for taxpayer eligibility, for carryover and carryback, for outreach and marketing, for guidelines, for employer incentive for higher education assistance tax credit, for application for tax credits and for carryover, carryback and assignment of tax credits; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1805

Providing for school counseling services.

PA HB179

Providing for free speech in higher education.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.