Federal Regulations
Description
Regulations are legally binding rules issued by administrative agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Education, Department of Justice, and Veterans Administration, to implement federal statutes.
For The Tracker, the focus is primarily on Department of Education regulations implementing Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
Critical Federal Regulations
Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization
Description:
In January 2026, the U.S. Department of Education announced a negotiated rulemaking to reform accreditation, outlining ten issue areas aimed at streamlining regulations, strengthening student outcomes and program value, curbing anti-competitive practices, clarifying oversight roles, supporting innovation, and updating accreditor standards. NPRM released on 8/20/26.
STATS and Earnings Accountability
Description:
Federal regulations establish institutional and programmatic accountability, including revisions to the 2024 versions of the Gainful Employment and Financial Value Transparency regulations in accordance with the directives of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, formerly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) Act. Effective July 1, 2027, with some exceptions.
Definition of Professional Degree Affecting Graduate and Professional Degree Loan Limits
Description:
A regulation defining professional versus graduate degrees to establish differing loan-limit regulations was released as final on May 1, 2026, to be effective July 1, 2026. The regulatory definition of a professional degree is temporarily stayed pending further direction from the court. Loan limits implementation is not affected.