WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has initiated major reforms to the higher education accreditation system as part of its compliance with President Trump’s Executive Order 14279, “Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education.” These actions are aimed at fostering innovation, improving student outcomes, and increasing competitiveness among accrediting agencies.
At the center of these changes is a new policy allowing colleges and universities to more easily change accrediting bodies without undergoing an extensive pre-clearance process previously required. This shift reverses measures introduced during the Biden Administration, which had scrutinized institutional decisions to switch accreditors.
“We must foster a competitive marketplace both amongst accreditors and colleges and universities in order to lower college costs and refocus postsecondary education on improving academic and workforce outcomes for students and families,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “President Trump’s Executive Order and our actions will ensure this Department no longer stands as a gatekeeper to block aspiring innovators from becoming new accreditors nor will this Department unnecessarily micromanage an institution’s choice of accreditor.”
Key Changes to Accreditation Processes
The adjustments focus on removing barriers within the accreditation system. Regulations mandated under the Higher Education Act will now ensure institutions only need to establish “reasonable cause” for changing their accreditor, rather than enduring unnecessary regulatory hurdles or multi-step investigations. Valid reasons include seeking an accreditor aligned with an institution’s specific mission or academic priorities, such as a religious focus or state law requirements. Additional motivators for change could include concerns about standards tied to ideological requirements like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
This reform aligns with one of the Executive Order’s central goals—to redirect accreditor evaluations toward objective educational performance metrics, such as graduation rates and post-graduate outcomes, rather than demographic considerations.
Lifting the Moratorium on New Accrediting Bodies
Alongside these changes, Biden-era restrictions on reviewing applications from new accrediting agencies have been lifted. An application paused since 2024 has now resumed review, signaling interest in increasing competition within the accreditation marketplace. Until now, a backlog of existing accreditor applications had stifled the Department’s capacity to consider prospective accreditors. The decision to reopen this process aims to encourage emerging organizations dedicated to transparent and measurable academic standards.
Implications for Higher Education
The reforms could substantially alter the accreditation framework for institutions and their access to federal funding, such as Pell Grants and student loans, which are contingent upon meeting accreditation requirements. Under the Executive Order’s directives, failure to adhere to reformed accreditation standards or metrics could result in the loss of federal funding, a critical financial resource for many institutions and students.
The order also introduces measures to hold accrediting bodies accountable for imposing DEI-based mandates during accreditation evaluations. Specific agencies, including the American Bar Association’s Council of Legal Education and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, have been highlighted for federal scrutiny if such practices persist. This marks a potential shift in federal oversight of accrediting standards, aiming to prioritize merit and outcomes over ideological frameworks.
Broader Impact and Legal Considerations
The reforms may prompt notable changes in faculty hiring, curriculum design, and admissions policies, as institutions work to align with the revised accreditation criteria. They also create opportunities for new accrediting agencies to emerge.
However, these changes are not without controversy. Legal challenges from institutions and accrediting bodies could arise, particularly over the policies on DEI and their intersection with federal anti-discrimination laws. Observers expect litigation to play a significant role in shaping the order’s long-term impact.
A Forward Path for Accreditation Reform
The Department of Education’s efforts signify a pivotal moment in U.S. higher education policy. By reducing regulatory burdens and promoting competition, the administration seeks to ensure that accreditation standards directly benefit students through measurable results. The eventual success of these reforms will depend on how institutions, accreditors, and the broader higher education landscape adapt to these profound changes.
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