Bill · S. 5053· Senate(119-S-5053)
Accreditation Reform and Enhanced Accountability Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/21/2026
- Last activity
- 7/21/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Elizabeth Warren
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Accreditation Reform and Enhanced Accountability Act of 2026 aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill seeks to improve the effectiveness of recognized accreditation as a requirement for federal education funding. It also focuses on increasing the accountability of higher education institutions regarding student outcomes. The legislation provides the Secretary of Education with more authority to establish criteria for student achievement. Additionally, it implements new requirements for accreditation reviews, disclosures, and credit transfer agreements.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would students be better off under this?+6
The bill enhances student protections through better transparency, easier credit transfers, and mandatory teach-out plans.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+6
The bill requires schools to disclose accreditation status and student achievement data to protect consumers from deceptive practices.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The act mandates the public posting of accreditation reviews, site visit reports, and institutional disclosures.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Student Outcome Tracking: The bill requires accrediting agencies to set baseline thresholds for student achievement measures, such as academic progression, loan repayment outcomes, post-scollege earnings, and debt relative to earnings (Section 5, subsection (r)).
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Increased Transparency for Students: Institutions must display a standard form of disclosure regarding their accreditation status on their websites, including whether the status is under appeal (Section 12, subsection (a)).
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Enhanced Protection During Institutional Changes: The bill requires institutions to submit teach-out agreements or plans if their accreditation is withdrawn, suspended, or if they intend to cease operations (Section 14, subsection (3)).
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Easier Credit Transfers: The act requires each institution to have a credit transfer agreement with all other institutions accredited by the same agency for general education and substantially similar programs (Section 11).
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Greater Accountability for Accrediting Agencies: The Secretary can impose fines on accrediting agencies that fail to notify them of institutions engaged in fraud, fiscal misconduct, or deceptive practices (Section 10, subsection (a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Burden on Institutions: Institutions may face additional requirements, such as needing to submit and maintain teach-out plans when facing certain financial or accreditation risks (Section 14, subsection (3)(B)).
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Potential for Fines on Agencies: Accrediting agencies may face fines if they fail to take action or notify the Secretary regarding institutions engaged in fraud, fiscal misconduct, or deceptive practices (Section 10, subsection (a)).
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Costs Associated with Financial Penalties: Any monetary penalty or payment assessed by an accrediting agency on an institution as a result of a fine must be assessed equally to each institution subject to that agency's jurisdiction (Section 10, subsection (D)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+6Good For Young Adults+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 7/21/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois