Kansas universities would be required to publicize information on their graduates’ average salaries, student loan debt and employment under a bill passed by the Senate.

The bill passed the chamber on a 27-11 vote Thursday.

Supporters say the measure would help prospective students make informed decisions on which university and major to choose by requiring institutions to provide them a “prospectus.” The information would compare the average economic outcomes of their graduates from each degree track.

Republican Sen. Julia Lynn from Olathe said graduates today face higher education costs and a tougher job market and not all incoming students are aware of the realities.

But other senators balked at the potential cost of up to $5.5 million annually and said broader research on such subjects is already available.