The Trump administration released a sweeping proposal to change accreditation rules, including requirements that accreditors focus on minimum standards for student achievement, protect viewpoint diversity, and consider cost efficiency in evaluations. The Education Department also outlined limits on accreditors’ ability to interfere with institutional governance decisions. The proposal triggers renewed debate over whether accreditors should adopt bright-line performance metrics or continue using a holistic review approach. Supporters argue minimum standards would strengthen quality assurance, while opponents warn it could distort how colleges assess program effectiveness. Because accreditation affects access to federal student aid, the next step—advisory committee meetings starting April 13—could accelerate nationwide compliance planning for accrediting bodies and institutions.