Accreditors brace for more change under the Trump administration
Ben Unglesbee
January 30, 2026
At this week’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s conference, leaders shared how they’re trying to chart a path forward amid political uncertainty.
WASHINGTON — After a tumultuous year for the higher education sector, accreditors — the quality-control bodies that act as gatekeepers to federal student aid for institutions — are taking stock.
This week, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation held its annual conference in Washington, D.C., as the sector tries to chart a path forward amid policy uncertainty, political pressure and wavering support for higher ed.
Here’s a look at some of the big issues that took center stage, including potential regulations for accreditors from the Trump administration and the launch of new accreditation bodies.
