October 30, 2026
AGENCY:
Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Department revises the existing accrediting agency recognition regulations to implement the directives set forth in Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and other Administration priorities, align the regulations more closely with statute, and reduce regulatory burden.
DATES:
This final rule is effective July 1, 2027.
Implementation dates: For the implementation dates of the regulatory provisions, see the Implementation Date of These Regulations of this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For further information related to recognition of accrediting agencies, Elizabeth Daggett, Director, Accreditation Group, Office of Postsecondary Education, Telephone: (202) 453-7615. Email: elizabeth.daggett@ed.gov. For all other information related to this document, Aaron Washington, Office of Postsecondary Education, Telephone: (202) 987-0911. Email: aaron.washington@ed.gov.