Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Rule Changes

Criticized the final rule while noting some clarifications

The Education Department finalized rules on Oct. 30, 2026, that change who can accredit colleges and how accreditors judge them. Recognized accreditors are the gatekeepers for federal student aid, which sends more than $100 billion in Pell Grants and federal loans to colleges each year. The rule drops the two-year track record for new accreditors, ends regional accreditation boundaries, and bars agencies from enforcing diversity, equity and inclusion practices that violate federal law.

Updated 7 days ago