U.S. Department of Education proposes overhaul of university accreditation

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a proposal to overhaul the accreditation system for postsecondary institutions. The plan, following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in April 2025, seeks to increase the number of accrediting organizations and shift the focus of quality assurance toward student outcomes and workforce needs.

Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent stated that the changes aim to reorient the framework so that accreditors prioritize academic quality rather than “bureaucratic processes or the promotion of divisive and unlawful ideological agendas.” The administration argues that the current system allows a small group of accreditors to act as gatekeepers for approximately $100 billion in federal student aid while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates.

The proposal also addresses concerns regarding college affordability and the return on investment for degrees, noting that a significant percentage of bachelor’s and master’s degrees currently yield negative returns. The public comment period for these new regulations is scheduled to end on September 21.