This publication describes the methodology used in the 2012/17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17). BPS:12/17 is the second and final follow-up study of students who began postsecondary education in the 2011 – 12 academic year. These students were first interviewed as part of the 2011 – 12 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:12). In particular, this report details the methodology and outcomes of the BPS:12/17 sample design, student interview design, student interview data collection processes, administrative records matching, data file processing, and weighting procedures. The BPS study is unique in that it includes both traditional and nontraditional students, follows their paths through postsecondary education over the course of 6 years, and is not limited to enrollment at a single institution.
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