CHEA Advocacy in Action: Issue 3

January 25, 2024

CHEA, as an advocate for member institutions, consistently identifies political issues that may be impactful for accreditation and institutions. The brief below reflects one of those issues.

Issue Summary

There has been considerable discussion and now some progress on H. R. 6585, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act. The original proposal from the U.S. House of Representatives recommended mandatory pre-approval by the Department of Education (USDE) for all short-term programs and pre-approval of all accreditors wanting to review these programs before authorizing the distribution of any Pell dollars for these programs. 

Institutional Impact

As originally constructed, the bill could have delayed Pell eligibility for short-term programs for up to two years, awaiting USDE approval for both the program and the accreditor reviews. During this approval period, students and institutions could not access or receive Pell aid.

CHEA Recommendation

CHEA’s recommendation, aimed at expediting Pell dollar approval, suggested that any federally recognized accreditor be authorized to promptly review short-term programs, making them eligible for short-term Pell funds. This process could occur, through the National Advisory Committee of Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), during the accreditor’s next regularly scheduled review by USDE of the accreditor.

CHEA Action

Collaborating with both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives, CHEA worked to amend the accreditation provision. This amendment allows recognized accreditors to review short-term programs. This will enable students to use Pell Funds quicker, benefiting both students and institutions by receiving federal funds for tuition and fees. The bill has successfully passed the Education Committee and awaits a floor vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Council for Higher Education Accreditation serves its members, students and society through advocacy for the value and independence of accreditation, recognition of accrediting organizations and commitment to quality in higher education.