The U.S. Department of Education has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on updating its Accreditation Handbook. The move is part of the Department’s efforts to reform the accreditation system, aiming to reduce unnecessary requirements and improve transparency and efficiency.
The Department is reviewing the accreditor recognition process to ensure that accreditors serve as effective gatekeepers for more than $100 billion in federal aid distributed annually. It also wants accreditors to be accountable for making sure their member institutions offer high-quality programs without unlawful discrimination or violations of federal law. The planned changes to the handbook will support an upcoming negotiated rulemaking session on accreditation, scheduled for next year.
“The Department is excited to continue implementing President Trump’s Executive Order to reform and strengthen our accreditation system,” said Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Dr. David Barker. “Instead of driving high-quality programs that better serve students, the antiquated accreditation system has led to inflated tuition costs and fees, administrative bloat, and ideology-driven initiatives at colleges across the country. We are excited to receive feedback on how best to update the Handbook, streamline guidance, and eliminate bureaucratic headaches for accrediting agencies and associations.”
The RFI invites stakeholders to provide comments over a 45-day period on ways to improve and streamline the recognition process for accreditors. Specific questions focus on policies that encourage innovation or reduce college costs, how the handbook can be made less burdensome, whether it serves its intended purpose, how standards could promote intellectual diversity on campuses, and what methods should be used to assess student competency.
Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, the Department determines if accrediting agencies are reliable authorities regarding educational quality for federal student aid purposes. The Accreditation Handbook offers guidance for these agencies in meeting criteria set by the Secretary of Education. Last updated in February 2022, it is now due for revision based on new policy directions and public feedback.
The RFI has been published in the Federal Register for public inspection. Comments must be submitted through www.regulations.gov within 45 days after official publication. Those needing accommodations or unable to use Regulations.gov are advised to contact the program representative listed in the RFI.
