Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) introduced a new bill to the Senate Higher Education Committee on Thursday, March 13, that aims to provide students and families with critical information about job placement rates and graduate earnings for specific fields of study.
The legislation requires colleges and universities receiving state financial aid to prominently display job placement rates and median earnings of graduates on their websites and in course catalogs.
“This bill empowers students to make informed decisions about their education and future careers,” said Sen. Draheim. “With tuition costs rising, transparency is more important than ever. Prospective students and their families deserve easy access to reliable, verified data on job placement and graduate earnings. This legislation ensures that institutions provide clear, accessible, and accurate information so students can confidently invest in their future.”
Many students graduate with significant debt, only to find limited job opportunities in their chosen field. By ensuring they have access to real employment data before enrolling, this bill helps students avoid financial pitfalls and choose educational paths that align with career opportunities. Families will be better equipped to compare programs, weigh the return on investment, and make choices that lead to long-term success.
Senate File 1989 received unanimous support in committee and was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.