May 2026

May 28, 2026

A Briefing for Institutional Leaders

Introduction

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has developed a new publication entitled Executive Talking Points. This publication provides concise updates on accreditation-related issues of importance to executives at CHEA-eligible institutions. Each issue will summarize key developments and policy actions emerging from the White House, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), the United States Senate, the United States House of Representatives, and the federal courts.

We hope you find this publication a valuable resource for staying informed about the evolving policy landscape affecting accreditation and higher education.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

U.S. Department of Education Advances Major Accreditation Reform Proposals

The U.S. Department of Education has completed negotiated rulemaking on accreditation reform. The Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) committee reached consensus on May 21, 2026. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is forthcoming.

No institution’s accreditation is affected now, but significant changes to how accreditors evaluate institutions are likely ahead.

Key Provisions in the Consensus Agreement

  • Student outcomes: Accreditors would be required to place greater emphasis on measurable outcomes, including completion rates, licensure results, and post-completion economic returns.
  • Transfer of credit: Accreditors would require institutions to maintain policies presuming that comparable undergraduate coursework from other accredited institutions will be accepted for credit, with greater transparency and appeal processes.
  • Conflict of interest: Accreditors would be prohibited from sharing resources with affiliated trade associations or professional organizations and must publicly disclose those relationships.
  • Academic freedom and intellectual diversity: Accreditors would evaluate whether institutions maintain policies on academic freedom, research integrity, civil rights, and the free exchange of ideas.
  • New accreditors: The two-year minimum operating requirement for new accreditors seeking federal recognition would be eliminated, lowering the barrier to entry.
  • Changing accreditors: The process for institutions switching between accreditors would be simplified.
  • Cost burdens: Accreditors would be on notice to avoid unnecessary financial, compliance, and administrative burdens on institutions.

What This Means for Your Institution

  • No action is required now. Accreditation status is not affected at this stage.
  • These changes would reshape what accreditors look for and what institutions must demonstrate to maintain accreditation.
  • The provisions on transfer of credit, student outcomes, academic freedom, and intellectual diversity are likely to have the most direct institutional policy implications.

What Institutions Should Know

  • Watch for the NPRM. The public comment period will be the primary opportunity to shape final regulations. CHEA will provide guidance when the NPRM is published.
  • Engage with your accreditor. Ask how they are interpreting the consensus language and what changes they anticipate.
  • Review institutional policies related to transfer of credit, the consensus language signals.
  • Visit chea.org for updates, resources, and comment guidance.

For more details on each of these topics, please review CHEA’s Policy Watch