On April 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to reform the accreditation system for higher education institutions in the United States. This order aims to ensure that colleges and universities provide quality education that is free from discrimination and ideological bias. It mandates accountability for accreditors, including measures such as monitoring and potential termination of recognition for poor performance or violations of federal civil rights law.

The Executive Order addresses concerns regarding the current accreditation system, which has faced criticism for enabling low-quality institutions to access federal student loans and grants. Statistics show that the national six-year undergraduate graduation rate was only 64% in 2020, with a considerable number of degrees resulting in a negative return on investment for graduates. The order seeks to eliminate discriminatory practices imposed by accreditors and promotes a focus on student outcomes rather than ideological conformity.

Through these reforms, the Trump administration aims to restore trust in higher education by prioritizing student success and accountability. By fostering competition among accreditors and encouraging transparency in educational outcomes, the administration hopes to empower students and families to make informed decisions about their education. These changes are intended to enhance the overall quality of higher education and ensure that it meets the needs of students and the workforce.

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