The Distance Education Accrediting Commission has the authority to establish and promulgate criteria for the evaluation and accreditation of distance education institutions. These criteria take the form of Accreditation Standards, Policies, and Procedures set forth in the DEAC Accreditation Handbook. The Commission uses these criteria as it evaluates institutions and makes accreditation decisions. The criteria are under a continual and systematic review. Changes are made as appropriate and as required.
Persons, institutions and organizations with an interest in the accreditation standards and policies are invited to comment on Proposed Accreditation Standards, Policies and Procedures and will be notified of the date for when any changes will be given final consideration by the Commission. Interested persons, institutions, and organizations will be given at least 30 days to file written comments with the Executive Director.
The Commission, after considering written comments, will conduct a further review of changes proposed to the Standards, Policies and Procedures. The Commission may adopt the changes to Accreditation Standards, Policies and Procedures as proposed, adopt with changes or modifications, defer action until further study and consideration is given, or discard the proposed changes altogether.
Documents out for Public Comment
DEAC’s Standards Committee, working with the Commission, has undertaken additional revisions to the proposed language for subscription-based tuition models. After reviewing the comments submitted during the July 2025 Call for Comment period, the Committee refined its earlier proposal to further promote accountability and fairness as institutions adopt more flexible, student-centered approaches to tuition and program delivery. The Commission reviewed the Committee’s recommendations at its January 2026 meeting.
The Commission is requesting comments on the revisions made to the proposed standards for subscription-based tuition models during a thirty-day comment period (March 13–April 13, 2026). Following the close of the comment period, the Standards Committee will review the feedback received and consider any additional revisions at its next meeting.
Please click here to review the proposed language and submit comments.
