Higher Education Accreditation Accountability Act
Sponsored By: Senator Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would impose _stricter recognition standards for accrediting agencies_ and add tougher federal review when colleges try to change their primary accreditor. It targets who can win Department of Education recognition and when an institution can switch accreditors.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Schools must get approval to switch accreditors
If enacted, an institution would not be allowed to change its primary accreditor unless the Education Secretary approves an application first. The school would have to submit a written notice naming the current and proposed accreditors, the current accreditation expiry date, reasons for the change, and how the new agency would maintain or strengthen quality and mission alignment compared to the current agency. The application must include supporting documents, such as the most recent accreditation determination letter, visiting-team reports from the prior three years, any pending student complaints or State or local investigations, and records from the current agency about inquiries or actions. The Secretary would publish a Federal Register notice, allow at least 30 days for public comment, and decide within 90 days after the comment period ends (with one 90-day extension if needed). The Secretary could deny the change in specified cases, for example if the institution lost accreditation or was on probation or show-cause within the prior 24 months. If a school changes accreditors without an approved application, the Secretary would not recognize its accreditation.
Stricter rules for accrediting agencies
If enacted, the bill would require an accrediting agency applying for recognition to show it has effectively accredited at least one school or program for at least two consecutive years immediately before applying. The agency would also need to be legally established in the jurisdiction and have enforceable standards consistent with the Department’s criteria. The Department would have to confirm these criteria are met before sending the application to its advisory committee. First-time accreditors would get initial recognition for no more than three years and must provide documentation for any new program or institution during that period. Later recognitions would be for no more than five years. These rules would apply only to recognition or renewal requests filed after the bill becomes law.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov