Accreditation is the linchpin of the federal role in higher education as the gate-keeping system for $120 billion annual investment in higher education . Looking to understand the complex and esoteric process that determines which colleges and universities get a “stamp of approval” to receive federal student aid? Our new accreditation “101” breaks down the basics of how this process works and why policymakers need to take a closer look at changing the system to focus on student outcomes and true quality assurance. Download the 101 here.