State Authorization and the Feds: States' Experiences With Implementing Federal Policy on Postsecondary State Authorization

• In Event: Key Decision Makers for Student Success

Abstract

The Higher Education Act (HEA) makes state authorization a requirement for institutions to receive funds through federal student financial aid programs. This obligation endows states with an important role in maintaining educational quality for institutions receiving federal student aid funds. Criticism of this state oversight and the proliferation of distance education programs led the federal government to initiate a series of regulatory reforms on state authorization in recent years. This multi-case study examined how states have learned about and responded to changes in federal policies on state authorization and what challenges state authorizers have encountered when responding to these policies. Findings from this research may inform state and federal policymakers when making reforms to improve state authorization processes.

Authors

• Rebecca S. Natow, Hofstra University

• Vikash Reddy, Campaign for College Opportunity