Education Dept. proposes accrediting the accreditors to fix higher ed
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17239, Education Department General Administrative Regulations
The Secretary of Education proposes to amend the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and other provisions in 2 CFR parts 3474 and 3485 to update the regulations and better align them with other U.S. Department of Education (Department) regulations and procedures, and to include technical updates from the Office of Management and Budget's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024. The Department intends to finalize these regulations in late 2026.
2026-15019, Rescinding Portions of the Department of Education Title VI Regulations To Align With the Statutory Text and Conform to Executive Order 14281
The Department of Education is changing its rules to stop punishing unintentional discrimination under Title VI, focusing only on intentional discrimination instead. This update, effective July 24, 2026, will make things clearer, cut costs for schools and organizations getting federal money, and follow a new executive order about fairness and opportunity. If you receive federal funds, these changes affect how you follow civil rights rules.
2026-13286, Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand- Driven Workforce Pell: Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Earnings Accountability
Starting July 1, 2027, colleges must prove their programs help students earn enough money to keep getting federal student loans. This new rule affects schools offering Direct Loans and aims to stop loans for programs where graduates don’t make enough. Some parts kick in earlier on August 31, 2026, so schools better get ready to show they’re helping students succeed in the workforce!
2026-10013, Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell: Pell Grant Exclusion Relating to Other Grant Aid; and Workforce Pell Grants
Starting July 20, 2026, students and schools will see new rules for Pell Grants thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Now, some other grants won’t count against Pell Grant eligibility, and a new Workforce Pell Grant will help students in short, job-focused programs get financial aid. This means more chances for students to get money for education that leads straight to good jobs!
2026-08556, Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations
Starting July 1, 2026, new rules will change how federal student loans work for grad students, parents, and professionals. The Grad PLUS loan is being phased out, and repayment plans are getting simpler with a fresh new income-driven option. Plus, folks who’ve defaulted before get a second chance to fix their loans and get back on track.
2026-07666, Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell: Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Earnings Accountability
Starting soon, colleges and career programs will need to prove their graduates earn enough money to keep getting federal student loans. This new rule affects schools and students using Direct Loans, aiming to make sure education leads to good jobs. Comments are open until May 20, 2026, and these changes could impact which programs get loan support and how tuition info is shared.
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