Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization
Description
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) indicated in January 2026 its intention to reform accreditation through a negotiated rulemaking. The rulemaking is intended to address ten issue areas reflecting the Department’s intent to overhaul accreditation. The areas focus on simplifying and modernizing regulations, refocusing accreditor standards on student outcomes and program value, and reducing anti-competitive and unlawful practices. The Department also seeks to clarify roles within the regulatory triad, support innovation and intellectual diversity, strengthen the independence and oversight of accreditors, make technical fixes, and advance broader Administration priorities related to accreditation.
Any new or amended regulations are directed primarily at accrediting agencies. However, institutions should be aware that changes to accreditor standards and processes could affect institutional policies, practices, documentation, and accreditation activities.
Consensus of the rulemaking committee was achieved on May 21, 2026.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published on August 20, 2026. Public Comment Deadline: September 21, 2026.
Action to be taken
- Review accreditation standards that affect programs and operations.
- Strengthen program-level student outcomes and value data.
- Ensure policies align with Federal and State law, independent of accreditor requirements.
- Reassess accreditor fit with institutional mission and innovation goals.
- Monitor and engage in the negotiated rulemaking process.
- Prepare leadership for potential changes to accreditor standards and oversight.
Effective Date
Resources
- Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2026 (US Department of ED website)
- Intent To Establish Negotiated Rulemaking Committee - Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) published January 27, 2026
- EO 14279 Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education
- What Digital Learning Professionals Should Know About STATS and Earnings Accountability; WCET Frontiers, July 16, 2026.
- Proposed Regulations: 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 published August 20, 2026.