1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2017 . I Accreditation reform 101. Accreditation reform (a) Definition of Institution of Higher Education Section 102(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002(a) ) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; (2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking Subject to paragraphs (2) through (4) and inserting Subject to paragraphs (2) through (5) ; (3) in paragraph (1)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) if accredited by an authorized accreditation authority in a State that has an alternative accreditation agreement with the Secretary, as described in paragraph (5)— (i) an institution that provides postsecondary education; (ii) a postsecondary apprenticeship program; or (iii) a postsecondary education course or program provided by an institution of postsecondary education, a nonprofit organization, or a for-profit organization or business; ; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (4), the following: (5) State alternative accreditation (A) In General Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State may establish an alternative accreditation system for the purpose of establishing institutions that provide postsecondary education and postsecondary education courses or programs as eligible for funding under title IV if the State enters into an agreement with the Secretary for the establishment of the alternative accreditation system. Such institutions, courses, or programs may include— (i) institutions that provide postsecondary education; (ii) postsecondary apprenticeship programs; (iii) any other postsecondary education course or program offered at an institution of postsecondary education, a nonprofit organization, or a for-profit organization or business