WASHINGTON, D.C. – US Congresswoman Lois Capps on 2/7 praised the passage of the College Opportunity Affordability Act (HR 1437), bipartisan legislation that will make the financial aid process more accessible to students and families. The Representative from Santa Barbara noted that tuition and fees at four-year colleges rose an average of nine percent from 2006 to 2007. The resolution, passed on a 354-58 vote, will ease and clarify the financial aid application process. Among other things it requires the federal government to establish an online net price calculator based on a family’s income and other factors. The calculations can be applied to any college or university in the country, all of which will be available on a master list with information on tuition and fees. Capps said HR 1437 will complement last year’s legislation increasing financial aid by $20 billion over five years.

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