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PROTECT Students Act of 2025
4/7/2025, 12:51 PM
Summary of Bill S 994
The main goal of the bill is to ensure that institutions of higher education are held accountable for the quality of education they provide to students. This includes measures to improve transparency and oversight of these institutions, as well as mechanisms to address issues of affordability and student outcomes.
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a new accountability system that will track and report on various metrics related to student success, such as graduation rates, employment outcomes, and student loan repayment rates. This information will be made publicly available to help students and families make more informed decisions about where to pursue their education. Additionally, the bill includes measures to address issues of affordability, such as requiring institutions to provide more detailed information about the cost of attendance and financial aid options. It also includes provisions to improve access to higher education for low-income and minority students. Overall, the Accountability in Higher Education Act seeks to promote greater transparency, accountability, and affordability within the higher education system in the United States. It is currently being debated in the Senate, and its ultimate impact on the higher education landscape remains to be seen.
Congressional Summary of S 994
Preventing Risky Operations from Threatening the Education and Career Trajectories of Students Act of 2025 or the PROTECT Students Act of 2025
This bill sets forth provisions to address financial predatory practices in higher education, including by establishing additional protections for students and student loan borrowers.
Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for Department of Education (ED) regulations related to gainful employment, borrower defense to repayment, and closed school discharges. For example, ED's 2023 gainful employment regulations specify that ED considers a career education program to be preparing students for gainful employment if it meets specified debt-to-earnings or earnings premium measures.
Additionally, the bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from taking specified actions, such as (1) restricting students' ability to pursue claims against IHEs in court, and (2) withholding official transcripts because of a balance owed by the student.
The bill requires IHEs to spend at least 30% of their tuition and fee revenue on instruction.
The bill also includes additional oversight measures, such as
- providing statutory authority for an enforcement unit within ED's Office of Federal Student Aid to assess complaints against IHEs, third-party servicers, and student loan servicers;
- establishing the For-Profit Education Oversight Coordination Committee within the executive branch; and
- requiring ED to establish and operate a system that tracks complaints or reports of suspicious activity by IHEs, third-party servicers, and student loan servicers.
The bill makes funding available to ED for the administrative costs of operating student aid programs.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 994
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 994
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
2Democrat Cosponsors
2Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 994
Primary Policy Focus
EducationAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 994
Comments
Adelaide Bynum
11 months ago
I think this bill is good for our schools and students. It will help make sure that everyone is being held accountable for their actions. Do you think this will make a big difference in the education system?
