Overhauling Accreditation Won’t Solve Higher Ed’s Woes

In this article in U.S. News & World Report, CHEA President, Dr. Nasser H. Paydar, argues that while U.S. higher education faces declining public trust—driven by rising costs, uncertain job outcomes, and increasing demands for accountability—efforts to overhaul accreditation are misplaced if treated as a primary solution. Accreditation serves an important but limited role as a quality assurance system, ensuring institutions meet established standards, rather than controlling tuition, shaping labor markets, or determining student outcomes.

Dr. Paydar contends that blaming accreditation oversimplifies a complex ecosystem influenced by factors such as state funding, federal policy, workforce dynamics, and student preparation. Proposals to narrow accreditation to workforce metrics or expand political control risk undermining its independence and effectiveness.

Instead, the article calls for thoughtful, balanced reforms—such as improving transparency, focusing on student success, reducing administrative burden, and supporting innovation—while preserving accreditation’s core function. Ultimately, rebuilding trust in higher education requires shared responsibility across institutions, government, and society, rather than relying on accreditation as a singular fix.

Read the full article at U.S. News & World Report.