Affordability & Transparency (PA Act 69)

On July 17, 2024, Pennsylvania enacted new legislation aimed at increasing financial transparency in higher education.

The College Affordability and Transparency Act (Act 69 of 2024) requires colleges and universities to provide students with more comprehensive financial information. Additionally, the law establishes mandatory financial aid exit counseling for students completing their final term.

Act 69 Requirements

Student Fee Transparency (Section 2004-H)

Higher Education Institutions (IHEs) are required to publish all mandatory fees online prior to the start of the academic term during which the fee will be assessed. The information must include an explanation of the fee’s purpose and details on how it will be utilized.

Requirement

Resource

Publish all mandatory fees online before the beginning of the academic term during which the fee will be applied and reflected on the tuition bill.

Tuition & Fees

Publish online the total amount of mandatory fees collected from the previous academic year, along with a detailed description of each fee and its purpose.

Fees

Higher Education Cost Transparency (Section 2005-H)

Requirement	Resource
Offer prospective students extensive information about costs and financial aid as part of the admission or financial aid application process.	Tuition & Fees
First year tuition, a list of both mandatory and optional fees, a breakdown of room and board choices, and the costs for books and supplies.	Tuition & Fees
Available student employment opportunities.	Work Study
The net cost of attendance (total costs minus scholarships and grants) along with an estimate of the overall cost for future years.	Net Price Calculator
Details on whether financial aid is renewable each year and the requirements for renewal in subsequent years.	Scholarships Federal Aid State Aid Alternative Loans
A record of tuition from the previous academic year, along with projected tuition and fee estimates for each year until the student completes their major.	Disclosure

Exit Counseling (Section 2006-H)

Higher Education Institutions (IHEs) are required to offer financial aid exit counseling to students at the conclusion of their final academic term, unless the student chooses not to participate. This requirement is in addition to Federal Student Aid (FSA) Loan Exit Counseling. The counseling may be provided either in-person or online, and institutions may collaborate with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency or a similar organization.

Requirement	Resource
A list of all available federal and state programs, including relevant websites and contact details, that can help with student loan payments, reductions, or forgiveness.	Payments Reductions Forgiveness
A comprehensive list of all student loan repayment options known to the IHE, along with a link to an online student loan repayment calculator, if available.	Repayment Options Student Loan Repayment Calculator
The start date for student loan repayment and details on how to postpone repayment.	Beginning and Delaying Repayments
If a student withdraws, they must be provided with the same information. If counseling cannot be conducted, the information packet must be sent to the student’s last known address.	For virtual or in-person loan or exit counseling, please contact your assigned financial aid counselor.

Supplementary Information

Mandatory Student Fees Disclosure Page

VFMC Act 69 Compliance Information (PDF)

Academic Year 2024–2025
In compliance with Section 2004-H of Pennsylvania Act 69 of 2024, Valley Forge Military
College posts all mandatory student fees prior to the start of each academic term and before
inclusion on any tuition bill. Each fee includes its amount, purpose, allocation, and collection
method.

Uniform Fee
Amount Collected (2024–2025): $58,800
Purpose: Supports the purchase, maintenance, and replacement of military uniforms issued to all cadets as part of the Valley Forge Military College Corps of Cadets program.

Use of Funds: Covers uniform production, tailoring, alterations, and upkeep, as well as procurement of essential military apparel and insignia consistent with VFMC standards. Funds are allocated approximately 80% to the Corps Uniform Fund and 20% to Logistics Operations. Collection Method: Charged once per academic year as part of the tuition billing cycle prior to the start of the fall semester.

Compliance Statement
In accordance with Section 2004-H of the Pennsylvania School Code, VFMC publishes the total amount of mandatory fees collected and detailed use of each by November 15 of each year. A link to this report is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by June 30 of the following year.

The Military College of Pennsylvania