How New Federal Earnings Test Could Affect Higher Ed
HEADLINES
How New Federal Earnings Test Could Affect Higher Ed (Inside Higher Ed, June 24, 2026) Inside Higher Ed offers a data-driven analysis of the federal earnings accountability metric established under the 'Do No Harm' provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The article illustrates how the new earnings test could affect institutions differently depending on program offerings, credential levels, and graduate earnings, highlighting the potential impact on programs in lower-paying public service professions and underscoring the significant role the new accountability measure may play in determining continued eligibility for federal student loans.
Debate over ABA Law School Accreditation Intensifies as States Push Changes (Reuters, June 30, 2026) Debate over the American Bar Association's (ABA) role as the federally recognized accreditor for U.S. law schools is intensifying as Texas, Florida, and Alabama have revised attorney licensing rules to reduce or eliminate reliance on ABA accreditation, with Ohio and Tennessee considering similar changes. Supporters argue that a single national accreditor promotes consistency, quality, and portability across legal education, while critics contend the ABA's accreditation standards have become overly prescriptive, increased costs, and extended beyond quality assurance into broader policy issues.
Colleges Are Accepting Transfer Credits From Online Platforms That Aren't Schools (The Washington Post, June 23, 2026) The Washington Post examines the growing number of accredited colleges and universities accepting transfer credit from online learning platforms that are not accredited institutions. The article explores how credit recommendations from organizations such as the American Council on Education have enabled students to complete coursework at substantially lower cost before transferring credits toward a degree. The reporting raises broader questions about transfer credit policies, institutional oversight, and quality assurance as alternative learning pathways continue to expand.
New Accreditor Seeks to Turn ‘Bean-Counting’ Process Into Outcomes-Focused One (Inside Higher Ed, June 18, 2026) Mark Becker, chair of the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), a new accrediting organization pursuing federal recognition, outlined the agency's development timeline, governance structure, and long-term goals. The organization intends to offer institutions an additional accreditation option as federal policymakers continue encouraging greater competition among accrediting agencies.
Virginia and Ohio Join Effort to Design 3-Year Bachelor's Degrees (Higher Ed Dive, June 23, 2026)Virginia and Ohio have joined a growing multi-state initiative exploring three-year bachelor's degree pathways aimed at reducing costs and accelerating degree completion. Participating colleges and universities will examine curriculum design, credit requirements, and transfer pathways as they seek to create academically rigorous programs that shorten time to degree while maintaining educational quality.