MSCHE Submits Comments to USDE Regarding Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment

President Heather F. Perfetti submitted a letter on behalf of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in response to the request for comment by the United States Department of Education (USDE) regarding the proposed rulemaking on financial value transparency and gainful employment. Read Department of Education Releases Proposed Rules on Accountability for Certificate and For-Profit Programs and Transparency into Unaffordable Student Debt

Read the full letter.

In addition, the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC) submitted a letter in response to the USDE request for comment that focused on Administrative Capability related to career services under regulatory section 668.16(q). The letter noted that “the determination of what constitutes ‘adequate’ career services is more appropriately placed with accreditors, which under the Higher Education Act (HEA), are entrusted with ensuring the academic quality of educational institutions.”

“If the Department seeks to ensure accreditors are in fact encompassing career services as part of student support services, that should be a conversation held as part of any proposed changes to regulations related to program integrity as opposed to institutional capability.”

Read the C-RAC letter.

On May 24, 2023, MSCHE encouraged member institutions to submit written comments regarding financial value transparency and gainful employment. Read Advocacy Alert: USDE Proposes Rule on Gainful Employment and Financial Value Transparency