Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Updates on Federal Actions Impacting NJ Institutions of Higher Education

September 16, 2026

By: OSHE Staff

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Federal Updates

U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Releases New Guidance on Registered Apprenticeships for Workforce Pell

On September 8, 2026, the Office of Apprenticeship released a new guidance circular on opportunities and flexibilities for Registered Apprenticeship (RA)sponsors to utilize Workforce Pell. The guidance highlights Workforce Pell flexibilities for these programs under the final rule and includes two appendices highlighting how Workforce Pell eligibility interacts with RAs and a decision flowchart for RA sponsors. The guidance is available on their website.

Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service Propose New Tax-Exempt Rule for Private Colleges

On September 4, 2026, the Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service proposed a new rule on racial nondiscrimination in private schools. The proposed rule would begin in taxable years after May 31, 2027. Public comments on this proposed rule are due by November 3, 2026.

Upcoming Deadline

• September 21, 2026: Public comments due for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization to reform America's higher education accreditation system.
• September 23, 2026: Public comments due for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Education Department General Administrative Regulations.
• September 24, 2026: Deadline to complete SF-424 for Notice of Funding Opportunity from the Office of Justice Programs for Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes

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Request for Updates on Federal Impact, if Applicable

The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is continuing to compile information about any impacts due to federal action. Please submit a brief summary of issue(s) to Stefani.Thachik@oshe.nj.gov. Find updates and resources regarding federal actions on OSHE's Federal Actions Impacting Higher Education page.

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