The federal regulatory environment continues shifting, and WSCUC remains engaged on your behalf. Recent proposals from the U.S. Department of Education signal a more intensive focus on outcomes and accountability, with proposed changes that will require careful attention from institutions and accreditors.
Last month, the Department proposed regulations that would establish a new earnings accountability test for all postsecondary programs and include potential implications for federal loan eligibility beginning in 2028. The Department has also issued a proposed interpretive rule clarifying that accrediting agencies recognized by the Secretary are nationally recognized and that use of the term “regional” should no longer be used in public descriptions of accreditation status.
WSCUC welcomes a stronger focus on outcomes, accountability, and transparency. Our Standards and review processes have long emphasized evidence of student success and post-graduation outcomes, and institutional improvement grounded in data. We are building on that foundation with upgrades to our Key Indicators Dashboard that support your internal analysis and your ability to communicate your value clearly and confidently.
KID now includes a field of study ROI view, a new data visualization highlighting the Carnegie Access and Earnings Ratio, and an enhanced homepage to improve navigation and usability. Most recently, we added WSCUC’s Students Outcomes Overview to KID and introduced a report index that provides an organized, comprehensive list of all KID reports, with direct links to each resource.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, WSCUC will provide institutions with practical tools and resources that support continuous improvement and informed decision-making. We will also remain engaged with Department officials to help ensure the perspectives and realities of our member institutions are reflected in ongoing regulatory discussions.
We look forward to a deeper conversation with you at ARC2026, where we’ll explore how federal policy developments and evolving pressures can be transformed into new possibilities. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your WSCUC staff liaison with questions or concerns.
Maria Toyoda
President and CEO
WASC Senior College and University Commission
To help institutions access state and federal funding for workforce training programs, WSCUC is partnering with the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) on a pilot of AI-enabled program reviews. The partnership accelerates approvals for qualifying programs while maintaining rigorous quality assurance standards. Learn more.
The update empowers institutions, students, policymakers, and other stakeholders to compare outcomes for specific disciplines across institutions and against national benchmarks. Learn more.
The SOO includes six charts highlighting student progress, completion, and post-graduation outcomes, with comparisons to peer groups, national medians, and the top and bottom 25% of institutions nationwide. Institutions should analyze the SOO in the narrative addressing Standard 2 as part of the reaffirmation self-study. The SOO is available in KID under the Student Progress and Completions Dashboard.
ARC2026 is just weeks away, convening April 8-10 in San Francisco. Featuring inspiring plenaries, engaging concurrent sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, the conference is designed to equip leaders with practical insights and strategic perspective. Early bird pricing closes Wednesday, March 11. Learn more and register today.
The Commission took action on several institutions at its February meeting. Copies of Commission Action Letters (CALs) and visiting team reports are available on individual institution pages on WSCUC’s site Learn more.
The Commission seeks public comments on the Review of Commission Standards and Competency-Based Education: Direct Assessment Program policies. Comments are due to policies@wscuc.org by Friday, May 15, 2026. Learn more.
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