Student right-to-know is the set of federal disclosure requirements that obligate Title IV institutions to publish graduation rates, transfer-out rates, and related consumer information.
How it works
The institution calculates the required rates from its IPEDS Graduation Rates survey and posts them in a consumer-information section of its website or catalog. Prospective students can review the rates before applying. The disclosures are updated annually. Failure to publish required information can result in federal compliance findings.
Example: an online university posts its 150 percent graduation rate for the most recent full-time, first-time cohort and its transfer-out rate on a public “Student Right-to-Know” page. A prospective student compares those figures with two other institutions before deciding where to enroll.
How it differs
College Scorecard and College Navigator present related federal data in interactive tools. Gainful-employment disclosures apply to specific programs and include debt and earnings metrics. Student right-to-know is the statutory disclosure obligation focused primarily on completion and transfer-out rates plus other consumer information.
Common errors
Publishing overall completion figures that do not match the full-time, first-time cohort required by the statute. Failing to update the disclosure annually. Assuming online-only institutions are exempt from student right-to-know rules.
References
- 1. Student Right-to-Know ActDisclosure requirements
- 2. IPEDS graduation and transfer-out ratesData used in disclosures
Student right-to-know is the set of federal disclosure requirements that obligate Title IV institutions to publish graduation rates, transfer-out rates, and related consumer information.