Accreditation comments submitted
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) this week submitted formal comments in response to the Education Department’s (ED) proposed accreditation regulations.
As covered in Community College Daily, AACC supports the proposal’s transfer-of-credit provisions, which would require institutions to explain why credits are not accepted, helping ensure greater transparency and fairness for students.
At the same time, AACC urged ED to better refine proposed cost-benefit analysis requirements so they rely on realistic measures and recognize that many student-focused activities cannot be reduced to economic calculations. Colleges already closely monitor expenditures and remain committed to fiscal responsibility.
AACC also opposed provisions requiring accreditors to enforce intellectual diversity and First Amendment protections. Community colleges already uphold First Amendment requirements, and involving accreditors in these areas could add unnecessary complexity while moving accreditation away from its core focus on quality assurance.
More broadly, AACC communicated concerns that the proposal would use accreditation to expand federal involvement in institutional practices and assign accreditors responsibilities that may fall outside their expertise or duplicate the work of other entities.
‘Mandatory’ MSI funds used to support HBCUs, Tribally Controlled Institutions
Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced that it was providing substantial one-time spending boosts of $174 million to Historically Black College and Universities as well as $61 million to Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities. The source of this funding is understood to be “mandatory” funding provided through the FUTURE Act, enacted in 2019, for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). Generally speaking, and in contrast to the annual appropriations process, mandatory funds are provided year in and year out without congressional action, unless the legislature specifically modifies the statute. In this case, the administration is rerouting “mandatory” funds that, in its view, are unconstitutional but that otherwise would have been awarded to Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions, and ANAPISI programs, and other institutions. Both fiscal year (FY) 2025 and 2026 funds were reportedly provided for these funding hikes. The administration’s unilateral action in this area is similar in kind to other moves taken by President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, applicants for the “Super SIP” Strengthening Institutions program, relying on FY 2026 appropriations, are eagerly awaiting grant announcements. This competition has been unofficially blessed by Congress and is using re-directed funds from MSI programs as well. AACC is hoping that community college awardees comprise a substantial portion of these grant awards.
DOL awards new round of Strengthening Community College Training Grants
The Department of Labor (DOL) on Wednesday announced the grants awarded in the sixth round of the Strengthening Community College Training Grants (SCCTG) program.
As covered in Community College Daily, the program will award $65 million in grants to consortia in seven states to help community colleges develop high-quality, short-term programs that can qualify for Workforce Pell Grants. The funding will support seven institutions and 102 consortia members.
More Workforce Pell programs approved
The Education Department on Tuesday announced that it has approved six new Workforce Pell programs in Texas, bringing the total number of approved programs to eleven.
As covered in the Community College Daily, students at Kilgore College and Weatherford College can now use Workforce Pell Grants for programs including electrical power lineman, phlebotomy technician, pharmacy technician, HVAC, basic machining and advanced machining.
2027-28 FAFSA opens to all students
ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid this week announced that the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has opened to all applicants. Released a week before the October 1 statutory deadline, the Wednesday launch is the earliest a FAFSA has been made available to students or families. The release follows two successful rounds of beta testing throughout the summer.