Education

HLC Eligibility Requirements for Institutional Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Board of Trustees adopted revisions to its Eligibility Requirements for institutional accreditation status. These revisions, effective immediately as of October 31, 2024, update the criteria institutions must meet to be granted candidate or accredited status.

HLC Assumed Practices Revisions for Higher Education Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has revised its Assumed Practices policy (CRRT.C.10.010), with revisions effective September 1, 2025, and further revisions effective immediately on November 6, 2025. These practices are foundational to accreditation and institutions are expected to be in compliance at all times.

HLC Accreditation Policies: Membership Obligations

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has outlined its "Obligations of Membership" policy, detailing the voluntary agreements institutions make when seeking or holding HLC membership. This policy specifies requirements for periodic evaluations, reporting, transparency, and notification of significant institutional changes or adverse actions from other bodies.

Revised Federal Compliance Requirements for Educational Institutions

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has adopted revised Federal Compliance Requirements for its member institutions, effective September 1, 2026. These revisions update policies related to various aspects of institutional operations and compliance with federal regulations.

Student Loan Interest Payment Reporting for 2025

Federal Student Aid announced guidance on reporting student loan interest payments for the 2025 tax year. Loan servicers will report interest payments to the IRS on Form 1098-E if a borrower paid $600 or more in interest during the year.

2026-2027 COD Technical Reference and OBBBA Amendments

The U.S. Department of Education has posted a partial 2026-2027 Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Technical Reference. This notice also addresses amendments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that will become effective July 1, 2026, with preliminary information subject to change pending final rulemaking.

EDExpress Software Update for COD Country Code Reporting

The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid has released an update for EDExpress 2025-26, Release 2.0. This update corrects an issue with reporting U.S. territory country codes to the COD System, ensuring proper data submission for students from these regions.

2026-2027 COD Technical Reference Published

The U.S. Department of Education has published the 2026-2027 Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Technical Reference. This document provides development information for the upcoming award year and details amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

EDExpress 2025-26 Release 2.0 Service Update Available

The U.S. Department of Education has released an update for its EDExpress software for the 2025-26 award year. Release 2.0 is now available for download, providing necessary program updates for institutions participating in federal student aid programs.