American Council on Education

 

 

What Counts as a Professional Degree in 2026?https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZyTs8_V2TlSa1He-Oo1i1Q#/registrationRegister now#0F539E#FFFFFF<img alt="Branding image that says &quot;dotEDU&#58; Higher Ed Policy Explained&quot; next to a symbol of the US Capitol dome" src="/PublishingImages/branding/dotEDU_promo_1280x628.png?RenditionID=14" style="BORDER&#58;0px solid;" />AANP President Valerie Fuller joins dotEDU to discuss new federal loan limits, what they mean for graduate students, and whether nursing will still be treated as a professional degree. Register to listen live.
ACEx2026 Is Happening Soonhttps://cvent.me/B1ylNV?REFID=acenetREGISTER NOW#0098D3#FFFFFF<img alt="ACE Experience 2026 conference speakers" src="/PublishingImages/Interior-Page-Heroes/ACEx2026_acenet_hero.jpg?RenditionID=14" style="BORDER&#58;0px solid;" />The countdown has begun; time is running out! Join us in Washington, DC on February 25–28 for ACEx2026. Engage with visionary leaders and explore breakthrough ideas to move higher education forward. Register today to be a part of what’s next.

News
January 7, 2026
AAU, ACE, and APLU, joined by 12 higher education institutions, have filed suit against the Department of Defense in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Read More
Appeals Court Affirms Ruling Blocking NIH Indirect Cost Cap
News
January 7, 2026
Appeals Court Affirms Ruling Blocking NIH Indirect Cost Cap
Podcast
December 16, 2025
In this final episode of 2025, hosts Mushtaq Gunja, Sarah Spreitzer, and Jon Fansmith spend the hour taking questions on the policy shifts and challenges campuses are watching most closely and the developments expected to matter early in 2026.
Read More
The dotEDU Wrap Party for Policy Nerds
Podcast
December 16, 2025
The dotEDU Wrap Party for Policy Nerds
News
December 15, 2025
A committee of higher education stakeholders and the Department of Education reached consensus Friday on draft regulations to implement Pell Grant regulations stemming from policies authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Read More
Negotiators Reach Consensus on Pell Regulations
News
December 15, 2025
Negotiators Reach Consensus on Pell Regulations
News
December 12, 2025
The House Committee on Education and Workforce has approved the College Financial Aid Clarity Act and the Student Financial Clarity Act, clearing the way for the two significant student aid measures to advance to the House floor.
Read More
House Education and Workforce Committee Advances Two Student Aid Bills
News
December 12, 2025
House Education and Workforce Committee Advances Two Student Aid Bills
Annual Meeting
December 10, 2025
The ACE Experience 2026 (ACEx2026) features a number of special events for a variety of higher education leaders along with the Feb. 26-27 Annual Meeting portion of ACEx2026.
Read More
ACE Women’s Network Leadership Conference, Council of Fellows Gathering Among ACEx2026 Special Events
Annual Meeting
December 10, 2025
ACE Women’s Network Leadership Conference, Council of Fellows Gathering Among ACEx2026 Special Events
News
December 8, 2025
ED on Friday released draft regulatory language to implement new provisions on short-term Pell Grants and how institutions award Pell Grants when students receive non-federal grant aid, advancing the next phase of negotiated rulemaking under the OBBB.
Read More
Education Department Releases Proposed Rules for Pell Grants Under One Big Beautiful Bill
News
December 8, 2025
Education Department Releases Proposed Rules for Pell Grants Under One Big Beautiful Bill
Podcast
December 2, 2025
Mushtaq, Sarah, and Jon talk through their top five stories of 2025, including the push to dismantle the Department of Education, the cuts at NIH and NSF, the sweeping changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill, and Congress’s response to it all.
Read More
2025 in Review: A Year That Redefined the Higher Ed Landscape
Podcast
December 2, 2025
2025 in Review: A Year That Redefined the Higher Ed Landscape
Annual Meeting
December 1, 2025
After a tumultuous year, and with the pace not likely to slow down anytime soon, sessions at the ACE Experience 2026 (ACEx2026) will equip higher education leaders for what lies ahead.
Read More
Attend ACEx2026 to Prepare for the Challenges Ahead
Annual Meeting
December 1, 2025
Attend ACEx2026 to Prepare for the Challenges Ahead
Statement
November 24, 2025
This is an abuse of power that singles out Jewish employees even as it fails to advance Penn's strenuous efforts to combat antisemitism.
Read More
Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell Supporting Penn's Stand Against EEOC Subpoena
Statement
November 24, 2025
Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell Supporting Penn's Stand Against EEOC Subpoena
News
November 24, 2025
ACE has joined an amicus brief in a case led by AAMC and AAU filed arguing to uphold a lower court's decision in two companion cases directing the executive branch to reinstate billions of dollars in canceled NIH grants.
Read More
ACE Joins Amicus Brief Supporting Reinstatement of Canceled NIH Grants
News
November 24, 2025
ACE Joins Amicus Brief Supporting Reinstatement of Canceled NIH Grants
News
November 21, 2025
The chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity has written ACE to affirm his commitment to ensuring military learners receive their education payments on time from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Read More
Congress Working to End Disruptions to VA Education Benefits
News
November 21, 2025
Congress Working to End Disruptions to VA Education Benefits
Podcast
November 20, 2025
Sarah and Jon talk with Dr. Judyth Sachs, chief academic officer at Studiosity, about the pressures students face across borders. They also walk through the newest Open Doors data on international students.
Read More
Judyth Sachs on International Students and a Changing Landscape
Podcast
November 20, 2025
Judyth Sachs on International Students and a Changing Landscape
Statement
November 18, 2025
The Trump administration's continued dismantling of the Department of Education is an enormous waste of taxpayer money, another example of evading congressional authority, and a grave disservice to millions of students and families.
Read More
Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Trump Administration's Continued Dismantling of the Department of Education
Statement
November 18, 2025
Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Trump Administration's Continued Dismantling of the Department of Education
Podcast
November 14, 2025
In this episode of dotEDU, we unpack the Education Department’s massive regulatory to-do list, from loan caps and professional degree definitions to new Pell and accountability rules.
Read More
From Big Beautiful Bill to Big Complicated Rules
Podcast
November 14, 2025
From Big Beautiful Bill to Big Complicated Rules
News
November 7, 2025
The rule, published Oct. 30 and set to take effect July 1, 2026, narrows which government and nonprofit employers qualify for loan forgiveness
Read More
ED Finalizes Loan Forgiveness Rule Limiting Nonprofit Eligibility
News
November 7, 2025
ED Finalizes Loan Forgiveness Rule Limiting Nonprofit Eligibility
News
November 7, 2025
The Department of Education and higher education stakeholders reached consensus yesterday on regulatory language to carry out the One Big Beautiful Bill’s student loan and repayment provisions.
Read More
ED, Negotiators Reach Agreement on Graduate Loan and Repayment Rules
News
November 7, 2025
ED, Negotiators Reach Agreement on Graduate Loan and Repayment Rules
News
November 7, 2025
ACE and Second Nature are launching a webinar series designed to help campus leaders, sustainability staff, and climate advocates anticipate challenges and identify opportunities to lead.
Read More
ACE, Second Nature Launch Sustainability Webinar Series
News
November 7, 2025
ACE, Second Nature Launch Sustainability Webinar Series
Annual Meeting
November 6, 2025
Spurring success for non-traditional students and modeling how community colleges adapt to rapid change are just some of the sessions to be featured at the ACE Experience 2026
Read More
Adapting to Rapid Change and Spurring First-Generation Student Success: ACEx2026 to Offer Solutions-Focused Sessions
Annual Meeting
November 6, 2025
Adapting to Rapid Change and Spurring First-Generation Student Success: ACEx2026 to Offer Solutions-Focused Sessions
News
November 3, 2025
ACE and more than 20 other higher education associations have urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to withdraw a proposed rule that would change how the agency defines “distance learning” and “independent study” for GI Bill programs.
Read More
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Warn VA Rule Could Weaken GI Bill Protections
News
November 3, 2025
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Warn VA Rule Could Weaken GI Bill Protections
Podcast
October 30, 2025
As Washington’s shutdown drags on, the dotEDU hosts unpack the fallout from the Trump administration’s higher ed compact, a new UVA settlement, and the $100,000 H-1B fee colleges and universities are now facing.
Read More
If it’s a shutdown, why are we so busy?
Podcast
October 30, 2025
If it’s a shutdown, why are we so busy?
Annual Meeting
October 29, 2025
ACE on the Hill 2026, a part of the ACE Experience 2026, is a chance for ACE member presidents and chancellors from across the country to connect directly with lawmakers and advocate on behalf of institutions, students, and the future of higher education.
Read More
Exclusive for ACE Member Presidents: Advocate in DC Prior to ACE’s Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting
October 29, 2025
Exclusive for ACE Member Presidents: Advocate in DC Prior to ACE’s Annual Meeting
News
October 27, 2025
ACE and dozens of higher education associations are raising serious concerns about two new federal actions that could reshape how colleges and universities recruit and retain international faculty, researchers, and graduates.
Read More
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Warn New H-1B Policies Could Undermine U.S. Competitiveness
News
October 27, 2025
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Warn New H-1B Policies Could Undermine U.S. Competitiveness
News
October 20, 2025
ACE, AACC and AASCU have submitted comments to the Department of Education on the proposed restructuring of the Institute of Education Sciences.
Read More
ACE, Associations Urge ED Not to Weaken Institute of Education Sciences
News
October 20, 2025
ACE, Associations Urge ED Not to Weaken Institute of Education Sciences
News
October 20, 2025
ACE will spotlight the experiences of military-connected students in a new three-part webinar series that will feature conversations with military learners, faculty leaders, and innovators.
Read More
ACE Announces Three-Part Webinar Series on Advancing Military Learner Success
News
October 20, 2025
ACE Announces Three-Part Webinar Series on Advancing Military Learner Success
Annual Meeting
October 20, 2025
ACEx2026, anchored by the ACE Annual Meeting Feb. 26-27, will empower campus leaders to foster innovation and resilience and champion higher education’s vital role in building our nation’s future.
Read More
ACEx2026 to Feature State of Higher Education Address, Sessions Around Pressing Topics
Annual Meeting
October 20, 2025
ACEx2026 to Feature State of Higher Education Address, Sessions Around Pressing Topics
Community Statement
October 17, 2025
More than 30 higher education associations issued a statement in opposition to the The Trump administration's Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.
Read More
Statement by Higher Education Associations in Opposition to Trump Administration Compact
Community Statement
October 17, 2025
Statement by Higher Education Associations in Opposition to Trump Administration Compact
News
October 10, 2025
ACE and other higher education associations are asking Congress to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to terminate FY 2025 discretionary grant funding for MSIs.
Read More
ACE, Higher Ed Associations Urge Congress to Restore Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions
News
October 10, 2025
ACE, Higher Ed Associations Urge Congress to Restore Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions
News
October 10, 2025
ACE and 37 other higher education associations submitted comments this week urging the Department of Education to significantly revise—or withdraw entirely—its proposed overhaul of federal admissions data collection.
Read More
ACE, Other Groups Push Back on Trump Administration’s Admissions Data Collection Plan
News
October 10, 2025
ACE, Other Groups Push Back on Trump Administration’s Admissions Data Collection Plan
Statement
October 10, 2025
American Jewish Committee, ACE, Hillel International, and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges are deeply alarmed by inflammatory social media posts and rhetoric targeting trustees.
Read More
American Jewish Committee, ACE, Hillel International, and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges Alarmed By Targeting of Trustees
Statement
October 10, 2025
American Jewish Committee, ACE, Hillel International, and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges Alarmed By Targeting of Trustees
Annual Meeting
October 8, 2025
ACE is now accepting applications for its annual awards, and nomination deadlines are approaching fast. ​The awards will be presented at the ACE Experience 2026.
Read More
Deadlines Approaching for Annual ACE Awards
Annual Meeting
October 8, 2025
Deadlines Approaching for Annual ACE Awards
Podcast
October 8, 2025
The hosts break down the Trump administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence”—what’s in it, why it matters, and how it connects to the shutdown—along with other developments shaping higher education this week.
Read More
Can They Do That? The White House’s Higher Ed Compact and Shutdown Fallout
Podcast
October 8, 2025
Can They Do That? The White House’s Higher Ed Compact and Shutdown Fallout
News
October 8, 2025
Higher education leaders, advocates, and researchers came together at Howard University for the launch of ACE’s new Economic Impact of Higher Education in America tool.
Read More
ACE, Other Experts Gather at Howard University to Discuss Higher Ed’s Economic Impact
News
October 8, 2025
ACE, Other Experts Gather at Howard University to Discuss Higher Ed’s Economic Impact
News
October 6, 2025
​Applications are now open for the 2026–27 cohort of the ACE Fellows Program, the nation’s premier higher education leadership development experience that has shaped future generations of senior leaders for 60 years.
Read More
ACE Fellows Program Opens Applications for 2026–27 Cohort
News
October 6, 2025
ACE Fellows Program Opens Applications for 2026–27 Cohort
Press Release
October 6, 2025
​An interactive economic impact tool unveiled today by ACE demonstrates the many ways colleges and universities fuel economic growth across the United States.
Read More
ACE Releases Powerful New Resource Demonstrating How Higher Education Drives Economic Growth
Press Release
October 6, 2025
ACE Releases Powerful New Resource Demonstrating How Higher Education Drives Economic Growth
News
October 3, 2025
The Trump administration is asking nine institutions to sign a compact with the federal government. ACE President Ted Mitchell and others noted this is another instance of the administration weaponizing funding.
Read More
White House Calls for Institutions to Sign Compact With Federal Government
News
October 3, 2025
White House Calls for Institutions to Sign Compact With Federal Government
News
October 1, 2025
​ACE and more than 60 other higher education associations sent a letter to congressional leaders today urging them to ensure that all funds allocated in the FY 2026 appropriations process are fully spent by the administration as intended by law.
Read More
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Urge Congress to Safeguard FY 2026 Education Funding
News
October 1, 2025
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Urge Congress to Safeguard FY 2026 Education Funding
News
September 30, 2025
While shutdowns historically have limited effects on colleges and universities, this one would arrive amid broader uncertainty about federal education programs, research funding, and the role of executive authority in determining spending priorities.
Read More
Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services
News
September 30, 2025
Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services
News
September 29, 2025
​ACE and 53 other higher education associations today submitted comments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opposing a proposed rule that would place rigid time limits on international student and scholar visas, asking for it to be withdrawn.
Read More
Proposed Visa Rule Would Hurt Global Talent Pipeline
News
September 29, 2025
Proposed Visa Rule Would Hurt Global Talent Pipeline
Annual Meeting
September 29, 2025
Registration is open for the ACE Experience 2026 (ACEx2026), a multi-faceted, high-impact convening for college and university leaders set for Feb. 25-28 in Washington, DC.
Read More
Register Now for the ACE Experience 2026
Annual Meeting
September 29, 2025
Register Now for the ACE Experience 2026
Podcast
September 23, 2025
The Trump administration is cutting off or moving funding for TRIO, GEAR UP, and MSI programs—even though Congress approved the money. The hosts explain what’s happening, why it matters, and what colleges should do next.
Read More
Congress funded equity and access. The Trump administration calls it discrimination.
Podcast
September 23, 2025
Congress funded equity and access. The Trump administration calls it discrimination.
News
September 15, 2025
ACE and 18 other higher education associations have filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit supporting a request to stay a new Veterans Affairs policy that limits GI Bill benefits for veterans and their families.
Read More
ACE, Higher Education Groups Urge Court to Block VA Policy Limiting GI Bill Benefits
News
September 15, 2025
ACE, Higher Education Groups Urge Court to Block VA Policy Limiting GI Bill Benefits
News
September 15, 2025
​Nearly three-quarters of college presidents say they are “extremely concerned” about the current administration’s impact on higher education, according to ACE’s Pulse Point survey, released today.
Read More
ACE Survey: Majority of College Presidents “Extremely Concerned” About Federal Policy Direction
News
September 15, 2025
ACE Survey: Majority of College Presidents “Extremely Concerned” About Federal Policy Direction
News
September 12, 2025
ACE will unveil a powerful new resource next month that will showcase how higher education drives economic growth across the United States.
Read More
ACE to Launch New Economic Impact Tool at Howard University
News
September 12, 2025
ACE to Launch New Economic Impact Tool at Howard University
News
September 10, 2025
​Collaboration and cross-sector partnership took center stage on Capitol Hill as policymakers, advocates, and healthcare, business, and higher education leaders gathered for a briefing on strengthening state workforce partnerships.
Read More
Capitol Hill Briefing Highlights State Workforce Partnerships
News
September 10, 2025
Capitol Hill Briefing Highlights State Workforce Partnerships
Podcast
September 9, 2025
dotEDU is back for Season 7 with an examination of President Trump's demand for admissions data by race and sex and what that means for campuses.
Read More
Demands for Data on Race and the Future of College Admissions
Podcast
September 9, 2025
Demands for Data on Race and the Future of College Admissions
News
September 8, 2025
ACE, in collaboration with Pearson Education, invites higher ed leaders to participate in a one-hour focus group to discuss how to better support students who stopped out before completing a credential.
Read More
Campus Leaders Needed for Focus Groups on Removing Barriers to Return and Completion
News
September 8, 2025
Campus Leaders Needed for Focus Groups on Removing Barriers to Return and Completion
Community Statement
September 5, 2025
The Joint Associations Group on Indirect Costs urges policymakers to adopt the FAIR model, a transparent and accountable approach to sustaining the full costs of federally funded research and America’s scientific leadership.
Read More
JAG Statement on Advancing the FAIR Model
Community Statement
September 5, 2025
JAG Statement on Advancing the FAIR Model
News
September 5, 2025
​With less than a month until federal funding expires, House appropriators this week advanced a bill that would sharply reduce support for higher education programs, setting up a clash with the Senate and raising the risk of a government shutdown.
Read More
House Bill Preserves Pell, Slashes Other Student Aid Programs
News
September 5, 2025
House Bill Preserves Pell, Slashes Other Student Aid Programs
News
September 5, 2025
​A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration violated the Constitution and failed to follow congressionally mandated procedures when it froze billions of dollars in federal research funding at Harvard, a critical victory for higher education.
Read More
Federal Court Backs Harvard in Ruling, Echoing Concerns Raised in ACE Brief
News
September 5, 2025
Federal Court Backs Harvard in Ruling, Echoing Concerns Raised in ACE Brief
News
September 4, 2025
ACE and more than 40 higher education associations have urged the Education Department to delay implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, citing concerns about the law’s sweeping changes to student aid and institutional accountability.
Read More
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Urge Delay in Implementing One Big Beautiful Bill
News
September 4, 2025
ACE, Higher Ed Groups Urge Delay in Implementing One Big Beautiful Bill
ACE Learning Evaluations

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We help people achieve their college and career goals by validating learning and skills developed outsi​de the classroom and helping students apply what they know toward a degree or other opportunity.

  • CREDIT Evaluations
    Explore ways to gain college credit for workplace learning and alternative educational experiences.
  • Military Evaluations
    Put your military training and experience to use to further your educational and career goals.
  • GED
    The GED Testing Service, a joint venture with Pearson, opens doors to college programs and employment opportunities.