Online Program Marketing and Federal Attendance Compliance

In 2026, the Department of Education clarified that student attendance in distance education is based on documented academic engagement — not logins or time spent online. Marketing claims such as “self-paced,” “on-demand,” or “fully flexible” must align with R2T4 attendance definitions to avoid misrepresentation. If online program descriptions imply participation without required engagement, institutions may face both Title IV and consumer protection exposure. SKG audits online program marketing to ensure distance education claims remain aligned with federal attendance standards.

Source: U.S. Department of Education Distance Education Attendance & R2T4 Guidance (2026)