CBA Supports Bicameral Student Loan Transparency Legislation

CBA Supports Bicameral Student Loan Transparency Legislation

Commends sponsors for requiring same increased disclosure on federal student loans already on private student loans

WASHINGTON – The Consumer Bankers Association today wrote Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Congressman John Curtis (R-Utah) to support their Transparency in Student Lending Act. The bicameral legislation was introduced today.

“The Transparency in Student Lending Act will empower federal student loan borrowers with the information necessary to make informed decisions about higher education financing … CBA strongly believes better disclosure of federal student loan costs will promote informed decision-making and discourage the over borrowing that is fueling the high cost of college,” CBA President and CEO Richard Hunt wrote. “We commend you for introducing legislation to demand the same level of transparency from the federal government as our member banks provide in the private student loan market.”

The legislation is similar to bipartisan legislation introduced in the last Congress and would require the disclosure on the total cost of federal student loans in the form of an annual percentage rate (APR). This clear disclosure would help borrowers compare federal and private student loans on equal terms. Currently, federal loans do not factor in origination fees, which can range between 1.1 – 4.26 percent, in interest rate disclosures. Private student loans, on the other hand, do not charge origination fees, provide detailed disclosures tailored to each borrower and can offer better options for many borrowers.

The federal government currently originates approximately 90 percent of federal loans. These loans do not have disclosure forms tailored to each borrower and have double-digit delinquency or default rates.

The Senate bill was cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and the House legislation was cosponsored by Representatives Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Bill Posey (R-Fla.).

Copies of the letters are available here.

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