The U.S. Department of Education (ED) does not accredit colleges or universities. Instead, it recognizes accrediting agencies that operate independently. This is mandated by federal law: the Department’s role is to determine whether an accrediting agency is a “reliable authority as to the quality of education or training offered,” as outlined in 20 U.S.C. § 1099b and 34 CFR Part 602.
The underlying rationale is that accreditors have failed to protect students and taxpayers, and have instead enforced ideological requirements and failed to ensure educational quality.
Department of the Interior: Will take over education programs and grants related to Native American, Alaska Native, and tribal education, including Indian Education Formula Grants and National Activities.
• Department of Commerce: Is set to assume some data, technical assistance, and possibly higher education oversight functions, especially those related to workforce and economic development.
• Other Agencies:
• Department of Treasury will manage federal student loan and grant programs.
• Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education and disability programs.
• Department of Labor will handle vocational, technical, and adult education programs.
• Department of Justice will take on civil rights enforcement in education.
• Department of State will manage international education programs
Doctoral Dropout Rates and the Bitterness Toward Honorary Degrees
Doctoral education is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous academic journeys, yet it is fraught with high attrition and emotional challenges. The current PhD dropout rate in the United States stands at approximately 50%, meaning that one out of every two students who begin a doctoral program will leave before completion. In humanities programs, the situation can be even more severe, with some studies indicating that only one in three candidates ultimately earn their degree. In the UK, the overall failure rate is lower but still significant: 19.5% of doctoral candidates do not finish, with 16.2% leaving early and 3.3% failing their final viva. Across the spectrum, attrition rates can range from 10% to over 40% depending on the field and institution.
Bitterness Toward Honorary Degrees
The emotional toll of these high failure and dropout rates is substantial. Doctoral students invest years of their lives, often at great personal and financial cost, only to face the risk of not achieving their goal. This experience can foster feelings of bitterness, especially when they see honorary doctorates—symbolic awards conferred without the rigorous academic process—given to celebrities or public figures. Many doctoral students and graduates feel that honorary degrees devalue the years of hard work and sacrifice required to earn a traditional doctorate.
Bias Toward Honorary Degrees
Public sentiment reflects this frustration. Online discussions and commentary frequently highlight the perception that honorary doctorates are little more than “glorified pieces of meaningless parchment,” awarded to the rich or famous rather than to those who have endured the trials of doctoral study. Some argue that honorary degrees should be reserved for academic accomplishments, not for celebrity or influence, and that their proliferation risks undermining the integrity of academic titles. This sentiment is echoed in academic circles, where the distinction between earned and honorary doctorates remains a point of contention.
