The U.S. Department of Education has completed negotiated rulemaking for major accreditation reforms under the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) package, reaching consensus on May 21, 2026. CHEA reports that a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected next, signaling substantial changes in how accrediting agencies evaluate institutions. The consensus agreement elevates measurable student outcomes—such as completion rates, licensure results, and post-completion economic returns—and tightens requirements on transfer credit. Accreditors would also be required to prohibit certain conflict-of-interest relationships (including resource sharing with affiliated trade and professional organizations) and to evaluate how institutions protect academic freedom, research integrity, civil rights, and the free exchange of ideas. Additional provisions would streamline switching between accreditors and reduce barriers for new accreditors by removing a two-year minimum operating requirement for federal recognition. The reforms also include cost-burden warnings aimed at limiting unnecessary financial and compliance load on institutions.