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The Accreditation Cartel: How Six Organizations Control $120 Billion in Federal Aid

University Hearld Chris John March 3, 2026 An investigative deep-dive into regional accreditors’ power, conflicts of interest, resistance to reform, and the Trump administration’s battle to break their monopoly For every dollar America’s regional accreditors spend evaluating college quality, they unlock $1,693 in federal student aid. This staggering ratio—$75 million in accreditor spending governing access […]

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‘We will hold institutions accountable,’ top US education official vows

Higher Ed Dive Natalie Schwartz February 27, 2026 At the American Council on Education’s annual conference, Under Secretary Nicholas Kent promised changes to accreditation and other policies. WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent issued a stark warning to a room full of college leaders Friday during the American Council on Education’s annual conference. […]

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As AI upends entry-level job market, California higher ed must adapt now

Ed Source Zack Justus and Nik Janos February 27, 2026 California’s public universities have weathered past economic shocks, from the dot-com bust to the Great Recession, by adapting what they teach and how they prepare students for work and civic life. That capacity for adaptation is being tested again by the intersection of artificial intelligence […]

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Lawmakers and Universities Push Back on Loan Caps

Inside Higher Ed Jessica Blake March 4, 2026 Politicians from both sides of the aisle sharply criticized the Education Department’s narrow interpretation of the legislation, which limits the number of students with access to large federal loans. Hundreds of lawmakers have joined dozens of university leaders and academic trade associations in urging the Department of […]

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