The vastly complex accreditation system in higher education is a gateway to more than $120 billion in annual federal student aid—and it is urgently in need of overhaul. Listen in as Michael Horn, co-founder and fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, explores accreditation policy and its potential for reform with ACTA president Michael Poliakoff.
Introduction It has been a difficult season for higher education in America, with high-profile scandals, violent protests, and budget shortfalls within the last year affecting institutions across the country. Increasing numbers of Americans are reporting little or no confidence in higher education. Effective and serious leadership has never been needed more, and the role of […]
A recent press release by the U.S. Department of Education has created a bit of confusion, leading many to believe that the Trump administration is seeking to revoke Columbia University’s accreditation. As with most matters related to the byzantine process of accreditation, the truth is more complex and less attention-grabbing.
Accrediting agencies are tasked with providing a level of quality assurance for higher education. With an accreditor’s stamp of approval, colleges unlock access to billions of dollars in Title IV funding—federal loans, grants, and campus-based aid. Unfortunately, accreditors do not consistently deliver on their role and fail to hold institutions accountable for poor student outcomes.
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