What Digital Learning Professionals Should Know About STATS and Earnings Accountability

When the federal accountability regulations were released, many higher education professionals might have assumed that the changes primarily affected the financial aid office. However, the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department) new Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Earnings Accountability regulations require significant institutional collaboration not only from financial aid and institutional research offices, but also offices managing academic programs, institutional leadership, and more.

The digital learning community needs to be aware that these regulations represent a new focus on institution-wide accountability that extends beyond traditional Title IV compliance. Academic affairs, institutional research, information technology, career services, institutional effectiveness, state authorization, professional licensure, enrollment management, and the digital learning community all have a role to play.

The question is no longer whether your institution will be affected, but whether your institution is preparing collaboratively.[...]