September 17, 2026
NACAC joined a coalition letter led by the American Council on Education responding to proposed changes to the federal accreditation system. The letter supports efforts to provide institutions with greater flexibility and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while raising concerns about provisions that could significantly change how accrediting agencies evaluate institutions and programs. It also calls for greater clarity and due process, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and a balanced approach to transfer credit policies. For NACAC members, accreditation plays an important role in protecting students, supporting institutional quality, and ensuring access to federal student aid. The coalition urges the Department of Education to revise the proposal in ways that strengthen the accreditation system while supporting students and institutions.