ED Finalizes Sweeping Overhaul of Higher Education Accreditation Rules

On October 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released its Accreditation, Innovation and Modernization (AIM) final rule. The rule implements the directives of Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and is the result of a negotiated rulemaking session earlier this year that included AACOM nominee Brian A. Kessler, DO, DHA, MS, as an alternate negotiator.

Notably, the final rule strengthens requirements separating accrediting agencies from affiliated professional or trade associations, including a ban on shared personnel, services, technology and office space. Other changes are focused on assessing student outcomes, including licensure exam results, lowering barriers for new accreditors, allowing institutions to change accreditors or hold multiple accreditations without prior ED approval and directing accreditors to evaluate institutional policies on academic freedom and intellectual diversity.

AACOM submitted comments on the proposed rule in September recommending safeguards for osteopathic medical education (OME). Preliminary analysis suggests the final regulations largely mirror the draft, with limited incorporation of AACOM’s recommendations. The regulations take effect July 1, 2027, and accreditors may implement them beginning January 1, 2027. AACOM is reviewing the final rule, and a detailed summary will be forthcoming.