Accreditors reformed: Biden EO shakes college gatekeepers
Published Date: 8/20/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department proposes to revise the existing accrediting agency recognition regulations at 34 CFR part 602 to implement the directives set forth in Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and other Administration priorities, align the regulations more closely with statute, and reduce regulatory burden.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger transfer-of-credit rules
The rule would require transfer-of-credit disclosures and direct written notice to students and require institutions to provide written reasons if they deny transfer credit. This aims to make it easier for students to continue their education without retaking courses they already completed.
Easier formation and recognition of accreditors
The Department would remove the ``two-year rule,'' eliminate geographic-scope restrictions, and reduce other barriers so new accrediting agencies can obtain recognition and institutions can change or use multiple accreditors more easily. The change is intended to increase competition among accreditors and expand institutional options.
New program-level outcome expectations
The proposed regulations would require accrediting agencies to focus on program-level student outcomes such as completion, licensure pass rates, and economic returns. The Department says this may require accreditors and institutions to develop and implement new criteria and measures.
Reduce institutional compliance burdens
Accrediting agencies would be required to administer standards in ways that minimize unnecessary compliance costs and duplicative reporting, and to support lower-cost educational models. The Department says these changes are intended to reduce administrative costs that negatively impact college affordability.
Stronger teach-out, transcript, and continuity protections
The proposed rules would expand accreditor oversight of institutional changes, strengthen teach-out planning including transcript access, increase transparency and student support when institutions face disruptions, and allow temporary continuation of title IV eligibility after erroneous accreditor decisions. The Department would also require its website to display current accreditation status of institutions and programs.
Enforce legal compliance and viewpoint neutrality
Recognized accrediting agencies would be required to confirm institutions comply with all Federal and State laws and to ensure agency decisions are neutral with respect to viewpoint and ideology (except for institutions with a religious mission). Agencies would be barred from applying standards that direct institutions to violate law.
Federal aid programs: no major budget change expected
In its Regulatory Impact Analysis, the Department states it does not estimate a significant net budget impact on the Title IV Higher Education Act federal student aid programs from these proposed regulations. The Department requests feedback and data on that estimate.
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Key Dates
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