Some accreditation agencies acknowledge the process needs to evolve. But critics say the Trump administration is reshaping accreditation for political reasons, and risks undermining the legitimacy of the degrees colleges and universities award to students.

All schools can now sign on to a higher ed compact, which offers preferential funding treatment in exchange for compliance with components of President Donald Trump's agenda.

The report, “50-State Comparison: Civics Education,” examined civics requirements in high schools and colleges. The think tank argues many universities have neglected teaching American history and principles.

Accreditation’s decade-long review cycles often miss problems, but a new AEI report says technology-driven monitoring could modernize oversight and better serve students.