Higher Education Accreditation

Current understanding

To be populated as evidence accumulates.

2026-10-30 — Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization: The Secretary’s Recognition of Accrediting Agencies; Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended; Student Assistance General Provisions: ED issued the final rule ‘Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization,’ rewriting 34 CFR recognition procedures for accrediting agencies to track the HEA statute more closely and reduce regulatory burden, pursuant to the presidential executive order on accreditation reform; affects the gatekeeping path for institutional Title IV eligibility. (novelty: 3)
2026-08-20 — Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization: The Secretary’s Recognition of Accrediting Agencies: Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended, Student Assistance General Provisions: ED published a proposed rule (“Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization”) to rewrite 34 CFR provisions governing the Secretary’s recognition of accrediting agencies, citing a White House executive order directing overhaul of accreditation, closer adherence to the HEA statute, and reduced regulatory burden; still a proposal, with implications for institutional Title IV eligibility if finalized. (novelty: 3)