Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act

# Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill requires the Department of Education to provide more information about career and technical education (CTE)—also known as vocational or trade programs—as an alternative to traditional four-year college degrees. It would mandate that the government publish details about CTE programs on its website, including how long they take to complete, what they cost, and what job prospects graduates have. The bill would also require this information to appear on the FAFSA (the federal form students use to apply for financial aid), with a signature box acknowledging that applicants have reviewed it. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill primarily affects high school students and prospective students considering their education options, as well as anyone applying for federal student aid.

The information would be made available for each state, including details about Perkins funding (federal grants for vocational education). The goal is to make students more aware that trade careers and technical programs are viable alternatives to accumulating student debt through traditional four-year college programs. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.