(GENERAL-26-20) Implementation of Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) regulations effective July 1, 2026
March 27, 2026
On Jan. 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) published final regulations on the return of Title IV, HEA funds (R2T4) (90 FR 470). These final regulations make several changes to the R2T4 requirements in section 484B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).
All of the R2T4 provisions are effective July 1, 2026, with two provisions that institutions had the option to implement early. The new R2T4 regulations apply to students who withdraw, otherwise cease attendance, or begin an approved leave of absence (LOA) on or after July 1, 2026. Institutions that opted to implement before July 1, 2026, are still subject to the same requirements as institutions that opted to wait until the July 1, 2026, regulatory implementation date.
This announcement provides additional information regarding the requirements for implementing the new R2T4 provisions.
