On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued Dear Colleague Letter GEN-25-03, to provide updated guidance on how institutions of higher education may change or add accrediting agencies. The letter restates the requirements under 34 CFR § 600.11 and supersedes previous guidance (GEN-22-10 and GEN-22-11). It emphasizes that institutions must notify the Department in writing as soon as possible and submit a “Reasonable Cause Request Certification” documenting prior accreditation and the justification for the change. The Department emphasized that it will conduct an expeditious review of applications and generally approve such changes unless disqualifying conditions apply. It clarified that institutions have broad discretion in choosing accreditors and that the Department may not interfere where state laws require a change. The Department stated that its role is limited to ensuring compliance with federal law and that it does not have the authority to restrict institutional autonomy or innovation.