Tuition index will name high chargers

US senators have voted to create a price index that will identify universities with the biggest rises in tuition fees.

An amendment to the Higher Education Act 1965 proposes forming a higher education price index that identifies institutions that have increased fees significantly. It comes amid growing concern in the US over the soaring cost of tuition at some institutions.

The amendment also proposes the creation of a clearing house for student loans to help people find the best deals. This follows a series of scandals involving university staff accepting cash and gifts from commercial loan providers in return for recommending specific financial products to students.

Meanwhile, an amendment that would have required universities to combat illegal file-sharing and copyright infringement has been withdrawn.