Congressman Steven Horsford Introduces Legislation to Address Off-Campus Cost of Living on College Campuses

Washington, D.C. — On Friday, October 11, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) introduced legislation to make college more affordable by improving estimates of off-campus room and board for students at colleges and universities. This bill is a part of the College Affordability Act, a plan from House Democrats to modernize higher education and make lower higher education costs for Americans.

"Each year, the national student loan debt continues to grow exponentially and has recently exceeded $1.5 trillion. All the while, students and families continue to make the decision to take out thousands of dollars in student loans to pay for their education," Congressman Horsford said. "This legislation will allow those students and their families to make more informed decisions about which institution to attend and leave the guesswork out of financially planning for college."

Currently, colleges and universities have the ability to estimate the annual living expenses on their own, which has led to inconsistencies in living cost estimates within the same city or region for students. According to a New York Times article, a college in Brooklyn listed its allowance for off-campus living at about $18,500. A few blocks away, another college determined that $10,000 would suffice. These discrepancies happen all across the country—this legislation would provide guidelines for how colleges and universities determine their cost of attendance.

"Choosing which college to attend is one of the most important decisions a young person must make. Inaccurate or widely varying estimates could lead students and families to take on more debt than they can afford to cover housing costs—or worse, not enough. It also could unnecessarily force students to forsake their first choice for fear they may not be able to pay their rent," said Congresswoman Wilson. "This legislation will provide the consistency needed to make the best decision."

To read a fact sheet on the College Affordability Act, clickhere.

To read a title by title on the College Affordability Act, clickhere.

For more information about the College Affordability Act, clickhere.