Federal Court Extends ACTS Deadline for Additional Institutions
On April 7, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts issued a new temporary restraining order (TRO) affecting the timeline for the Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) data collection.
The order extends the ACTS reporting deadline to April 14, 2026, for an additional group of institutions. This extension applies to member institutions of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, the Maine Independent Colleges Association, the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities. It also applies to several individual institutions, including Barnard College, Bryn Mawr College, Middlebury College, Sarah Lawrence College, Swarthmore College, and Vassar College.
In addition to extending the deadline, the court order prevents the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing previously established ACTS deadlines—March 18, March 31, or April 8—for these institutions while the case proceeds.
A hearing on the motions is scheduled for April 13, 2026, and will be combined with related motions filed by the Association of American Universities and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts.
This development reflects the continued legal and operational uncertainty surrounding ACTS implementation. As reporting timelines evolve, institutions are encouraged to verify their specific requirements and obligations.
AIR recommends that data professionals:
- Confirm institution-specific guidance with the IPEDS Help Desk
- Consult with institutional leadership and legal counsel
- Continue preparing and validating data where appropriate
AIR will continue to monitor developments and share updates with the community as more information becomes available.