U.S. Department of Education Proposes Overhaul of Higher Education Accreditation System
(Washington, D.C. = Alex Walczak) On August 19, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at reforming the nation’s higher education accreditation system, seeking to enhance educational quality and student outcomes.
The proposed reforms aim to simplify the accreditation process, improve return on investment for students, and protect accrediting agencies from undue influence by private trade associations. The Department emphasized that accreditors play a crucial role in managing over $100 billion in federal student aid each year.
For decades, a small number of accreditors have dominated the higher education landscape, often leading to increased costs for students and families. Critics argue that these entities have prioritized ideological agendas over student success, impacting graduation rates and job placements.
Nicholas Kent, Under Secretary of Education, stated, “At a time when Americans have lost trust in higher education, the proposed changes are intended to realign our quality assurance framework to prioritize student outcomes over bureaucratic processes.”
Kent highlighted that the outdated accreditation system has contributed to rising tuition costs and administrative inefficiencies. The proposed reforms aim to reduce the financial burden on colleges, connect education with workforce needs, and restore confidence in the accreditation system.
This NPRM reflects significant reforms outlined in President Trump’s Executive Order 14279, which seeks to strengthen higher education through improved accreditation practices. The Department has taken steps to ensure that accreditors focus on student performance and educational quality.
Public comments on the proposed rules can be submitted until September 21, 2026, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Comments submitted by fax or mail will not be accepted.
The reforms are based on consensus reached by the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) Committee, which includes stakeholders from various sectors, including taxpayers, accrediting agencies, higher education institutions, and students. This initiative is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and improve student learning experiences.
