The Federal Trade Commission has strongly endorsed the Department of Education's proposed reforms to promote competition among accreditation agencies.
The FTC said increased competition among accreditors and lower administrative burdens could lower the cost and improve the quality of higher education for millions of American students.
The commission's endorsement was announced in a press release published on its website, under the headline "FTC Endorses Education Department Proposal to Expand Higher Education Accreditation Options."
The proposal, put forward by the Department of Education, aims to expand the options available in higher education accreditation. According to the FTC, the reforms are intended to promote competition among the agencies that accredit colleges and universities.
The FTC framed its support around the potential benefits for students, pointing to the possibility of reduced costs and improved educational quality if the changes take effect.
The commission did not provide further details on the specific provisions of the Education Department's proposal or on a timeline for its consideration.