September 21, 2026
NACAC joined a coalition letter from the Protect Students and Taxpayers Coalition responding to proposed changes to the federal higher education accreditation system. The letter supports a stronger focus on student outcomes while raising concerns that other provisions could weaken accountability and student protections. In particular, the coalition calls for maintaining strong standards for newly recognized accreditors, preventing institutions from changing accreditors to avoid oversight, and establishing safeguards around continued federal student aid during accreditation appeals. For NACAC members, a strong accreditation system helps ensure students and families can make informed college decisions and have confidence in the quality of the institutions and programs they are considering. The coalition urges the Department of Education to preserve accreditation as an important safeguard for students, taxpayers, and the quality of postsecondary education.