Education Department unveils policy proposals for accreditation, state authorization

Higher Ed Dive

Natalie Schwartz

January 4, 2024

The U.S. Department of Education unveiled several regulatory proposals Tuesday around accreditation, distance education and state authorization ahead of policy negotiations next week.

The proposals are in part intended to ensure that accreditors and state authorizing agencies are adequately monitoring the colleges under their purview, the Education Department said in an announcement. They’re also meant to make it easier for students to access federal financial aid.

“These efforts are another step in improving the higher education system and ensuring colleges are providing all students with high-quality opportunities for upward social and economic mobility,” U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal said in a statement.

The Education Department’s proposals highlight the Biden administration’s priorities as the agency reworks vast swathes of higher education policy. The agency’s pitches will kick off discussions beginning Jan. 8, when negotiators representing different stakeholder groups — including colleges, student borrowers and financial aid staff — will meet to hash out potential changes.

Continue Reading