Higher Ed Dive
Laura Spitalniak
October 29, 2026
The U.S. Department of Education said Thursday that it made “no substantive changes” to its August draft regulations.
Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Department of Education on Thursday released final regulations designed to revamp the college accreditation system based on Trump administration policy priorities.
- Under the new rule, which takes effect July 1, accreditors must consider a college’s policies and practices related to academic freedom and intellectual diversity. Accrediting agencies are barred from enforcing “illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements” as defined by the Trump administration.
- It will also be easier for new accreditors to gain federal approval. Instead of having to be active for at least two years before seeking recognition from the Education Department, they can meet alternative criteria such as establishing accreditation standards and operating procedures and receiving at least one application for college or program accreditation.