College Affordability and Transparency Act (PA Act 69)

In 2024, Pennsylvania enacted new legislation aimed at increasing financial transparency in higher education. The College Affordability and Transparency Act (PA Act 69) requires Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to provide students with more comprehensive financial information. Additionally, the law establishes mandatory exit counseling for students.

Act Requirements

Student Fee Transparency

Institutions must post online all mandatory fees 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

Resource

Information on all mandatory fees for the academic year in which the fee will be applied and reflected on the tuition bill.

Information on the total amount of mandatory fees collected from the previous academic year.

Previous academic year data will be posted by Nov. 15 annually.

Higher Education Cost Transparency

Institutions must provide prospective students with extensive cost and financial aid information as part of the admission and financial aid offer process. This information will help students to make fully informed decisions when selecting an institution of higher education.

Requirement	Course
First year tuition, both mandatory and optional fees, a breakdown of room and board choices, and the costs for books and supplies. This is an estimated total Cost of Attendance (COA).	2025-26 Undergraduate Tuition & Fees 2025-26 Graduate Tuition & Fees An estimated total Cost of Attendance is also included on prospective students’ Financial Aid offer letters, which can be accessed on the Admissions portal.
Financial aid offered by the institution, including details on whether financial aid is renewable each year and the requirements for renewal in subsequent years.	Financial Aid Programs Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress – Undergraduate Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress – Graduate
Available student employment opportunities.	Student Employment Opportunities
Information on the net cost of attendance (total costs minus scholarships and grants), along with an estimate of the overall cost for future years.	Net Price Calculator
A record of tuition from the previous academic year, along with projected tuition and fee estimates for each year until the student completes their major.	2024-25 Tuition & Fees – Undergraduate 2024-25 Tuition & Fees – Graduate Estimated Future Costs – Starting in 2025-26

Exit Counseling

Institutions must provide financial aid exit counseling to students at the end of their final academic term or when a student stops attending. Students can elect not to participate. Federal Student Aid (FSA) Federal Loan Exit Counseling does not supplant 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	Resource
Information on available federal and state programs, including relevant websites and contact details, that can help with student loan payments, reductions, or forgiveness.	Federal Loan Payments Federal Loan Reductions Federal Loan Forgiveness PA Student Loan Relief for Nurses PA IBR and State Forgiveness Information
Information on known student loan repayment options, along with a link to an online student loan repayment calculator.	Federal Loan Repayment Options Student Loan Simulator
Information on the student loan repayment start date and details on how to postpone repayment.	Beginning and Delaying Federal Loan Repayment
Institutions are to make exit counseling available to each student at the end of the student’s final academic term or when a student stops attending.	For virtual or in-person exit counseling, please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@mercyhurst.edu to set up an appointment.