Reforming Financial Transparency in Higher Education - November 6, 2025

This Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions hearing examines critical reforms to enhance financial transparency in higher education, it addresses challenges in student affordability, aid accessibility, and institutional accountability. Expert witnesses from education foundations, colleges, policy institutes, and advocacy centers provide testimony on improving disclosure practices, reducing administrative burdens, and supporting equitable access to postsecondary opportunities amid rising costs and debt concerns.
Witnesses
Justin Draeger, MBA - Senior Vice President for Affordability, Strada Education Foundation
Brenda Hicks, MA - Director of Financial Aid, Southwestern College
Preston Cooper, Ph.D. - Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Onjila Odeneal, M.Ed. - Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Promise
Mark Huelsman, M.Ed. - Director of Policy and Advocacy, The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs