Guidance
Description
Guidance reflects an administrative agency’s interpretation of a law or regulation and does not create new legal requirements or obligations.
The U.S. Department of Education issues guidance in forms such as Dear Colleague Letters, FSA Enforcement Bulletins, and Agency Interpretations. Explanations included in the preamble of newly published final regulations in the Federal Register also serve as guidance.
Critical Guidance
Guidance on FVT/GE Data Reporting, STATS Early Implementation, and Next Steps for Publication
Description:
This guidance gives institutions a final opportunity to submit missing or incomplete FVT/GE reporting data for the 2024 and 2025 reporting years and avoid potential enforcement actions, including fines or sanctions. It also outlines 2026 reporting requirements, optional early implementation of reduced STATS reporting requirements, and the Department's plans to publicly release FVT/GE and STATS data beginning in 2027.
Clarification of the Appropriate Use of Terms “National” and “Regional” by Recognized Accrediting Agencies
Description:
This interpretive rule is guidance to clarify that “regional” accreditation is an outdated term and can be misleading. Per the Higher Education Act (HEA) and Federal regulations effective July 1, 2020, all recognized accreditors are nationally recognized as institutional or regional accreditors, with no difference in quality implied.
Regulatory Guidance Relating to the Criteria and Process for Initial Recognition of an Accrediting Agency
Description:
This interpretive rule by the U.S. Department of Education is guidance to define elements in regulation pertaining to the process for initial regulation of a new programmatic or institutional accreditor.