Education Department Updates Private School Universe Survey Plans
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education wants your thoughts on updating the Private School Universe Survey for the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years. This survey collects info about private schools across the country, helping shape education policies. If you’re involved with private schools or just curious, you can comment by June 15, 2026—no cost, just your voice!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Voluntary PSS Response Burden
The Department plans to collect Private School Universe Survey (PSS) data for the 2025-26 and 2027-28 school years. The notice says the respondents are "Individuals and Households," that responding is voluntary, and estimates 32,550 annual responses and a total of 5,981 respondent burden hours per year.
Change to PSS Confidentiality Promises
As of May 2025, NCES removed the Foundations of Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (CIPSEA) confidentiality assurance for the PSS 2025-26 collection, but confidentiality protections under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA) remain in effect. NCES says it may consider restoring CIPSEA protections for future PSS collections.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-15665 — William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program
The government wants to change the rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to stop people working for shady employers from getting loan forgiveness. This means if your job is with an organization involved in serious illegal activities, you won’t qualify for loan help anymore. These changes protect taxpayers and make sure the program is fair, coming soon to keep things on the up and up.
2026-09679 — Tests Determined To Be Suitable for Use in the National Reporting System for Adult Education
The Department of Education just approved new tests and test formats for adult education programs to use when measuring student progress. They also extended the approval for one popular math test until June 2028. These changes affect adult education providers nationwide and ensure only approved test versions count toward official reporting, starting now and lasting seven years.
2026-09716 — Notice Announcing Ready To Learn Programming Program Competition
The Ready to Learn program is calling on public TV groups to apply for funding to create fun, educational shows and digital content for preschool and elementary kids. This competition aims to boost school readiness and literacy, with applications due by July 8, 2026. Winners will get money to produce and share awesome learning materials nationwide, especially for kids who need it most.
2026-09557 — Competition Announcement; Comprehensive Centers
The Department of Education is offering grants for 2026 to help schools and education agencies improve learning, close achievement gaps, and support students who need it most. If you work with state or local education groups, you can apply by June 30, 2026, to get funding for projects like literacy and meaningful learning. This is a big chance to make a real difference with new priorities and lots of support!
2026-09432 — Accrediting Agency Currently Undergoing Review for the Purpose of Recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Education
The U.S. Department of Education is reviewing the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education to decide if it should keep its official recognition. This affects physical therapy schools across the country, including those offering online programs. People have 14 days from May 12, 2026, to send in their comments, which could influence future funding and program quality.
2026-09440 — Notice Announcing Career Pathways Exploration Program Competition
The Department of Labor and Education are teaming up to offer up to $3 million per year to states for the Career Pathways Exploration program. This grant helps states create programs that show students real-world career options and get them ready for the workforce. States must apply by June 9, 2026, with only one application allowed per state, endorsed by the governor.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07409 — Notice of Board Meeting
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is holding a meeting on April 28, 2026, to review important reports about investments, budgets, and audits. This meeting affects federal employees who save for retirement and could impact how their funds are managed. Tune in to hear updates on money matters and risk management that keep your retirement savings safe and sound.
Next: 2026-07411 — Notice of Suspension and Commencement of Proposed Debarment Proceedings
Charles A. Jones is suspended from the schools and libraries support program, meaning he can’t get or provide services through it right now. The FCC is starting a process to possibly ban him from the program for good. Anyone working with him has 30 days to object, and decisions will be made within 90 days, which could affect contracts and funding.