Virginia’s colleges and universities brace for major accreditation overhaul

Virginia’s colleges and universities may soon face heightened competition and political scrutiny, educators and related groups say, as the U.S. Department of Education advanced draft rules last week that could change how institutions are accredited under stronger federal oversight and stricter accountability measures.

This process plays a central role in U.S. higher education because it undergirds access to financial aid, the credibility of degrees, transferability of credits, and standards for holding colleges accountable.

President Donald …