Encourage new accreditors to start up

What has happened

1. Feb 26, 2026 Partially done

   An interpretive rule "aimed at reducing existing barriers for new accrediting agencies to apply for recognition", published in the Federal Register the next day as regulatory guidance on the criteria and process for initial recognition. Applications are moving — the Postsecondary Commission's application for initial recognition was noticed for third-party comment on 2026-06-15 — but no new accreditor had been recognized as of 2026-08-28, which is why this is `partial` and not `done`.

   • U.S. Department of Education Issues Interpretive Rule to Reduce Barriers for New and Emerging Accrediting Agencies

     Primary Executive branch Feb 26, 2026

   • Regulatory Guidance Relating to the Criteria and Process for Initial Recognition of an Accrediting Agency

     Primary Executive branch Feb 27, 2026

2. May 1, 2025 Partially done

   The Department lifted "the Biden Administration's moratorium on accepting and reviewing applications for initial recognition of potential new accreditors", notified one paused applicant that its petition would be reviewed, and issued a Dear Colleague Letter removing the pre-approval process institutions had to go through to change accreditor. That is the mechanism, in place.

   • U.S. Department of Education Expands Accreditation Options for Colleges and Universities

     Primary Executive branch May 1, 2025

3. Apr 23, 2025 Attempted

   Executive Order 14279 §3(b)(i) directs the Secretary to "resume recognizing new accreditors to increase competition and accountability", and §3(b)(vi) to streamline changing accreditors. A directive, with nothing yet done.

   • Executive Order 14279 — Reforming Accreditation To Strengthen Higher Education, §3(b)

     Primary Executive branch Apr 23, 2025