New to IPEDS

Are you new to using IPEDS data? Welcome! Here you will find information about IPEDS and the IPEDS Data Tools. If you have questions, you can always reach the Data User Help Desk at 1-866-558-0658.

What is IPEDS?

• Overview

  The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Data are collected from postsecondary institutions that participate in the federal student aid programs. Postsecondary institutions submit data through multiple survey components about aspects of higher education in three reporting periods: Fall, Winter, and Spring.

• Data Release Schedule

  Here is the calendar of data releases for each reporting period this year.

• Survey Methodology

  Here you will find information on the IPEDS survey components, how preliminary and final data are released, how IPEDS data is collected from institutions, and how we ensure data quality.

• Current Survey Materials

  Here are the survey forms for the current data collection year.

• Archived Survey Materials

  Here are the survey forms for previous data collection years.

• Glossary

  Here is a glossary of terms used in IPEDS surveys in the current data collection year. You can download this glossary as a CSV or JSON file.

• Data Dictionaries

  Here you can find data dictionaries for previous data collection years going back to 2004-05. These excel tables include the variable names, descriptions, and values for each year’s dataset.

• The History and Origins of Survey Items for the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

  Here is a report detailing the evolution of IPEDS survey components since the 1980s, including the legislative and regulatory requirements behind specific survey items.

Using IPEDS Data

• IPEDS Data Tools User Manual

  The IPEDS Data Tools User Manual is designed to help guide you through the various functions, processes, and abundant capabilities of the IPEDS Data Tools.

• Using IPEDS Data: Available Tools and Considerations for Use

  This blog post on the IPEDS Data Tools includes a table describing how provisional and final data are used in the tools and a helpful chart summarizing the features in each tool.

• AIR IPEDS Training Center

  The Association for Institutional Research (AIR) offers training videos and courses on how to use IPEDS data. These materials are updated annually to include the latest information about the data.

• AIR IPEDS Knowledge Exchange

  Join a community of data reporters and data users where you can share tips, ask questions, and collaborate on IPEDS data.  This online community is run by the Association for Institutional Research (AIR).

• Help Desk

  Ask questions about IPEDS data and the data tools by calling the IPEDS Data Use Help Desk at (866) 558-0658 or emailing ipedstools@rti.org.