ED Publishes Accreditation NPRM After Neg Reg Consensus

The Department of Education (ED) on Thursday published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in an effort to overhaul the higher education accreditation system. Earlier in May, the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) negotiating rulemaking committee reached consensus on the entire package of proposed accreditation changes. Since the committee reached consensus, Thursday’s NPRM is largely similar to the final package the committee approved. “The Department’s proposed changes to our higher education quality assurance system will improve college affordability, reconnect education to workforce needs, strengthen accountability, and restore confidence in our accreditation system,” ED Under Secretary Nicholas Kent said in a statement. Public comments are due to ED by September 21, and the final rule is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.