Office of the Secretary of Higher EducationU.S. Department of Education Announces Negotiated Rulemaking to Reform and Strengthen America's Higher Education Accreditation System
On January 26, 2026, U.S. ED announced the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) negotiated rulemaking committee that will meet in April and May of this year. The Committee will address the topics of deregulation, student outcomes, merit, and integrity. U.S. ED is accepting nominations for negotiators through February 27, 2026. More information about the AIM Committee and vision is available in their press release.
U.S Department of Education Issues Proposed Rule to Make Higher Education More Affordable and Simplify Student Loan Repayment
On January 29, 2026, U.S. ED issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the federal student loan repayment as outlined in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Comments on the proposed rules must be submitted before March 2, 2026 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Additional details on the proposed rules, including background and the RISE Committee overview, are available in their press release: U.S. Department of Education Issues Proposed Rule to Make Higher Education More Affordable and Simplify Student Loan Repayment | U.S. Department of Education.
The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is continuing to compile information about any institutions who are experiencing issues with federal funding or other impacts due to federal action. Please submit a brief summary of issues to Stefani.Thachik@oshe.nj.gov if applicable to your institution. Find updates and resources regarding federal actions on OSHE's Federal Actions Impacting Higher Education page.
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