Higher Ed Policy Roundup: Vol. 10 - Issue 23

This Week In Washington

On Wednesday, the Department of Education (ED) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would make changes to federal recognition and oversight of higher education accreditors. The proposal implements reforms outlined in Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and was determined during negotiated rulemaking conducted by ED’s Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) Committee.

The proposal simplifies the recognition process for emerging and existing accreditors, promotes a focus on student outcomes and return on investment, and addresses the role of private trade associations in accreditation. The proposal is now open to public comment until September 21.

News You Can Use

Sallie Mae released a report highlighting how students and their families pay for higher education and the factors shaping their decisions. According to the report, 47% of families borrowed to cover expenses, with Federal PLUS loans used by 13%.

The American Council on Education released a Fall 2026 Federal Higher Education Policy Outlook. The article discusses ED’s role in reshaping federal higher education policy through regulations, enforcement, and guidance, despite efforts to transfer some of the department’s functions to other federal agencies.

Recent Legislation

There were no relevant student-aid related bills recently introduced for consideration by the 119th Congress (2025-26).