Academic and career planning services provided to pupils, requiring the reporting of certain data on college student costs and outcomes, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
The implementation of SB889 is expected to enhance academic and career planning services for high school juniors and seniors by equipping them with comprehensive, data-driven insights to inform their decisions regarding higher education. The bill places a strong emphasis on making comparative data available, which is intended to empower students to make informed choices about their educational paths. As the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) compiles and disseminates this data, it will further assist school boards in guiding students through their academic planning processes.
Senate Bill 889 mandates that institutions of higher education in Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin System, technical colleges, and private nonprofit colleges, collect and report data on various student outcomes starting from the 2025-26 academic year. This data includes average salaries of graduates at intervals after graduation, student debt averages, graduation rates, total cost of attendance, financial aid information, and the most popular degree programs offered. This initiative aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and economic value of higher education programs for prospective students and their families.
While the bill is primarily intended to improve transparency in higher education outcomes, there may be concerns about the burden of data collection on institutions, particularly smaller colleges that may lack the necessary resources. Some stakeholders might argue that mandatory reporting requirements could divert attention and resources away from educational priorities. Additionally, the ability of the HEAB to accurately assess and validate the reported data could be contested, raising questions regarding the effectiveness of the measures enacted by the bill.