The Trump Administration’s Under-the-Radar Move to Reshape College Accreditation
While many education policy changes under the Trump administration have been highly visible, a significant shift is poised to take place quietly. This change, described by former President Donald Trump as a “secret weapon,” is set to impact college accreditation, and its effects could be far-reaching.
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The administration has already enacted several notable changes, including reducing the Department of Education’s workforce by half, ending research funding, restructuring special education staff, and altering student loan repayment plans. However, Trump’s focus on accreditation, a system used to evaluate colleges’ eligibility for federal funding, has largely gone unnoticed.
Understanding Accreditation
Accreditation is critical for colleges to access federal student loans and grants. Institutions pay dues to nonprofit accreditors, who evaluate them on factors like curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and financial stability. This system ensures that students receive a quality education and that taxpayer money is not wasted on substandard institutions.
Historically, accrediting agencies have operated independently of the federal government. Antoinette Flores from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation explains, “Congress wanted accrediting agencies to be independent of the federal government.”
Despite this independence, recent changes by the Education Department, in line with Trump’s 2023 promise, have expanded federal oversight. These new rules aim to foster innovation and reduce costs, but some experts worry they could harm students and allow undue interference in campus affairs.
New Requirements for Accreditors
Accreditors are now required to assess institutions on their intellectual diversity, ensuring students encounter a range of viewpoints. Bob Shireman, an accreditation expert, warns, “This rule gives [the Education Department] the authority to meddle in the internal affairs of colleges and universities.”
While the department claims these rules promote open debate, critics argue they risk political interference. PEN America cautions, “This is part of a plan to weaken [higher education] and its historic protections.”
Despite assurances that the department cannot police campus speech, Beth Akers from the American Enterprise Institute expresses concern about the federal role in judging ideology. “It does put the administration sort of in a seat of judgment over the institutions,” she says.
Not all changes are controversial. Some, like focusing on student outcomes, have bipartisan support. The new rules will take effect before the 2027-28 academic year, making them difficult to reverse.
The Road to Change
Tensions over accreditation grew during the Biden administration, with Republican-led states challenging accreditors’ perceived biases. Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, criticized the accreditation process, advocating for new accreditors to replace existing ones.
As a result, several state university systems plan to switch to the newly established Commission for Public Higher Education.
Easing the Path for New Accreditors
The Trump administration also aims to simplify the creation of new accreditors, promoting competition and innovation. This could allow schools to choose accreditors that better fit their needs and reduce costs.
While some see this as an opportunity for schools to innovate, others, like Bob Shireman, worry about weakened oversight. He cautions that easier transitions between accreditors could undermine student protections.
Edited by Nirvi Shah
