The U.S. Department of Education has completed an AIM negotiated rulemaking process aimed at overhauling how accrediting agencies are recognized under 34 C.F.R. Part 602. Negotiators reached consensus on May 21, 2026, after two one-week sessions in April and May, and the Department plans to use the language as the basis for a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The consolidation is expected to drive downstream changes for colleges, universities, and students by revising the federal accreditation recognition framework. Key areas in the consensus language include streamlining transfer of credit, requiring accreditors to ensure institutions presume comparable credit should be awarded when courses are successfully completed at other accredited institutions. Public comment will follow through the NPRM stage before any final regulations are issued, giving accreditation stakeholders and CHEA-eligible institutions a further opportunity to shape implementation details.