This project draws on data from several principal sources. The majority of these data were collected by federal agencies—the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. Census Bureau. When federally collected data were insufficient to address a particular indicator, non-federally collected data were sought and included. Each of the principal data sources is described below with notes indicating the data limitations and indicators where data were presented.
- AAMC
- ACS
- AccessLex
- ACPS
- ACT
- ADA
- ADEA
- AIHEC AIMS
- ATES
- B&B
- BPS
- CPS
- CUPA-HR
- Digest
- GED®
- HSLS
- IPEDS
- LSAC
- NAEP
- NPSAS
- NSC
- SAT
- SED
AAMC
Association of American Medical Colleges
ABOUT
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the membership association for U.S. and Canadian medical schools, collects data on students applying to, enrolling in, and graduating from U.S. medical schools. The collection of surveys focuses on the demographic characteristics, test scores, and grade point averages of medical school applicants, matriculants, and graduates, as well as MD-PhD students and residency applicants. These data provide a base from which AAMC produces research related to gender and racial and ethnic diversity among individuals who practice medicine.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
ACS
American Community Survey
U.S. Census Bureau
ABOUT
The American Community Survey (ACS), a product of the U.S. Census Bureau, is an ongoing survey that supplies vital information about the U.S. and its people. Information from the survey generates data that is used to inform a variety of state and federal policy decisions. As a robust source for detailed population and housing information in the U.S., the ACS disseminates information about jobs and occupations, educational attainment, veterans, whether people own or rent their homes, and other topics. Data from ACS have been published since 2005.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
AccessLex
Analytix by AccessLex
ABOUT
The AccessLex Institute works with nearly 200 American Bar Association-approved nonprofit and state-affiliated law schools throughout the United States. AccessLex provides data on law schools, law school applicants, enrollees, and graduates through Analytix by AccessLex, which allows law school leaders and those who research the landscape of law school education the crucial data they need to make informed decisions.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
ACPS
American College President Study
American Council on Education (ACE)
ABOUT
Since it was first published in 1988, the American College President Study (ACPS) has remained the most comprehensive source of information about the college presidency and higher education leadership pipeline. The study provides information on the demographics, career paths, and experiences of college and university presidents. College and university presidents occupy a leadership role unlike any other, and the ACPS includes insight into key areas including diversity and inclusion, state funding and political climate, relationships with governmental officials, political constituencies and governing boards, as well as presidential perspectives on matters concerning performance measures, evaluation, and other topics shaping the future of higher education. The 2017 ACPS analyzed responses from 1,546 college and university presidents.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- The ACPS samples may not necessarily be representative of the results achievable if all accredited degree-granting college and university presidents had responded.
ACT
ACT, Inc.
ABOUT
The ACT, administered by the organization of the same name, is an exam designed for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, measures what students have learned in high school and the skills that are important indicators for college and career readiness. The ACT includes four components: English, reading, math, and science. The ACT is used by many colleges and universities as a criteria of undergraduate admission.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
ADA
American Dental Association
ABOUT
The Survey of Dental Education, administered by the Health Policy Institute of the American Dental Association (ADA) is an annual survey of all U.S. dental schools and ten dental schools in Canada. Survey data collection includes information on demographic characteristics of dentists, dental fees, dentists’ earnings, and pre-doctoral, advanced, and allied dental education programs in U.S. dental schools.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
ADEA
American Dental Education Association
ABOUT
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the membership organization for all U.S. and Canadian dental schools, conducts annual surveys and research reports on trends in dental education. ADEA’s annual surveys capture information on applicants, enrollees, graduates, and employment characteristics of faculty in dental education.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
AIHEC AIMS
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC)
ABOUT
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium launched the American Indian Measures of Success (AIHEC AIMS) in 2004 to define measures for success that are relevant to Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and the communities they serve. AIHEC AIMS seeks to build data collection capacity and accountability of TCUs to measure success and increase participation and success of American Indian students in postsecondary education. Qualitative data provides stories and narratives around the many types of quantitative data collected through AIHEC AIMS, such as enrollment, cost of attendance, TCU funding, and curricular programs.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
ATES
Adult Training and Education Survey
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
The Adult Training and Education Survey (ATES) collects information on work experience programs, non-degree work certifications and licenses, and postsecondary educational certificates of adults ages 16 to 65 who are not enrolled in high school. The ATES survey also collects information on respondents’ demographic characteristics, educational attainment, labor force participation, earnings, and occupational field.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
B&B
Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
The Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study (B&B) examines students’ education and work experiences after they complete a bachelor’s degree. The study draws its cohorts from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). The B&B sample is representative of graduating seniors in all majors, with a special emphasis on the experiences of new elementary and secondary teachers. Following several cohorts of students over time, B&B looks at bachelor’s degree recipients’ workforce participation, income and debt repayment, and entry into and persistence through graduate school programs, among other indicators. B&B also gathers extensive information on bachelor’s degree recipients’ undergraduate experience, demographic backgrounds, expectations regarding graduate study and work, and participation in community service.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
BPS
Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
The Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS) currently surveys cohorts of first-time, beginning students at three points in time: at the end of their first year, and then three and six years after first starting in postsecondary education. The study draws its cohorts from NPSAS and collects data on a variety of topics, including student demographic characteristics, school and work experiences, financial aid, persistence, transfer, and degree attainment. The BPS tracks students’ paths through postsecondary education to allow for a more in-depth exploration of what academic fields students pursue, how financial aid influences their persistence and completion, and in some cases, why students leave higher education without an award. Data on student loan repayment outcomes was collected as part of the 2015 Federal Student Aid Supplement and appended to the BPS: 04/09 data.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
CPS
Current Population Survey
U.S. Census Bureau & U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
ABOUT
The Current Population Survey (CPS), sponsored jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is the primary source of labor force statistics for the population of the United States. The CPS is used to collect data for a variety of other studies that keep the nation informed of the economic and social well-being of its people. Providing information on many of the things that shape American life—work, earnings, and education—the CPS also conducts supplemental inquiries that vary month to month covering a wide variety of topics such as child support, volunteerism, health insurance coverage, and school enrollment. The CPS has one of the highest response rates among government household surveys, averaging around 90 percent.
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
- Data are not representative of non-civilian and institutionalized populations.
CUPA-HR
College and University Professional Association for Human Resources
ABOUT
CUPA-HR collects data on salaries for administrators, faculty, professionals and staff, as well as on healthcare and other benefits. Additionally, benchmarking data on voluntary and involuntary turnover rates; student, staff, faculty ratios; collective bargaining for faculty, staff, and graduate students; Chief Human Resource Officer reporting relationship; diversity data and comparison groups are available to assist leaders in planning for budgets; salary increases; and creating equity in the hiring and human resources processes.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection
Digest
Digest of Education Statistics
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
The primary purpose of the Digest of Education Statistics is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of American education from prekindergarten through graduate school. The Digest includes a selection of data from government and private sources in addition to the survey results carried out by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The publication contains information on the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments, and graduates, in addition to educational attainment, finances, federal funds for education, libraries, and international education. Additionally, supplemental information is collected on population trends, attitudes on education, education characteristics of the labor force, government finances, and economic trends to provide context for evaluating education data.
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- While the Digest can provide a vast amount of information, the compilation uses a diverse set of public and private data, where variables and indicators may have been defined or categorized differently than intended when combining data sources.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
GED®
General Educational Development
GED Testing Service
ABOUT
The GED® test is made up of four subjects, broken into separate exams. By collecting information on mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social studies, and science, the GED Testing Service has comprehensive data on prospective students in higher education. With college readiness being an integral issue of equity for American higher education, these nationwide data provide information to assess current curricula and work toward more coherent and relevant instruction that better aligns with students’ career goals and provides an entrance for students into higher education and the U.S. labor market.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
HSLS
High School Longitudinal Study of 2009
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
The High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS), is a nationally representative longitudinal study of 23,000 ninth grade students in 2009. Designed to examine the pathways of students through secondary education into postsecondary education and the workforce, the study utilizes surveys of students, their families, and school staff during students’ 9th, 11th, and 12th grade years, high school transcripts, as well as three years following high school completion. Once completed, HSLS will also include data from postsecondary transcripts and a final follow-up survey of participants scheduled for 2025.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
IPEDS
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is the primary source for information on U.S. colleges, universities, and technical and vocational institutions. IPEDS is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education’s NCES. IPEDS gathers information from more than 7,500 colleges, universities, and technical and vocational institutions that participate in the federal student aid programs in fundamental areas such as enrollment, program completion and graduation rates, institutional costs, student financial and human resources. Data collected through IPEDS are publicly released and can be accessed through the IPEDS Data Center.
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
LSAC
Law School Admission Council
ABOUT
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the nonprofit organization that administers the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), promotes quality, access, and equity in law school admissions. LSAC collects data from LSAT test takers, law school applicants, and law schools to produce reports on applicant trends and demographic characteristics. The data LSAC produces are available to member law schools, who can use the data to better inform their admissions processes.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
NAEP
National Assessment of Educational Progress
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
Also known as the Nation’s Report Card, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the only nationally representative assessment that measures 4th grade, 8th grade, and 12th grade students’ knowledge, educational achievement, and progress in a range of subjects. A congressionally mandated project administered through the U.S. Department of Education, NAEP has been used to measure students’ progress in subjects since 1969. Unlike the various assessments offered by each state, NAEP assessments are the same across states, allowing a common measure of student achievement and performance across the nation.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
NPSAS
National Postsecondary Student Aid Study
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
ABOUT
The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) examines the characteristics of students in postsecondary education, with special focus on how they finance their education. NPSAS sample surveys provide access to nationally representative data for undergraduate and graduate students. NPSAS is a comprehensive research dataset, based on student-level records and financial aid provided by the federal government, the states, postsecondary institutions, employers, and private agencies, along with student demographic and enrollment data. NPSAS is the primary source of information used by the federal government (and others, such as researchers and higher education associations) to analyze student financial aid and to inform public policy on such programs as the Pell Grants and Direct/Stafford loans.
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
- Given the nature of complex surveys, weighting is required to ensure the sample data are representative of a given population. Some estimates cannot be generated due to small sample sizes.
NSC
National Student Clearinghouse
ABOUT
The National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) is a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization that contracts with colleges and universities to provide educational reporting, data exchange, verification, and research services. Given its direct relationship with college enrollment, completion and tracking, NSC has an expansive network of information, data and resources about student-level educational outcomes nationwide. With increasing participation from colleges and universities, as of spring 2018 the NSC data account for 97 percent of the enrollments at U.S. Title IV, degree-granting institutions. By tracking students across institutions, NSC data is robust and can be used to more fully understand trends in college enrollment and completion. The research arm of NSC works with higher education institutions, states, districts, high schools, and educational organizations to better inform practitioners and policymakers about student educational pathways and enable informed decision making.
DATA LIMITATIONS
- NSC data varies in the degree to which they capture enrollment at different types of colleges and universities.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
SAT
College Board
ABOUT
The SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report, produced by the College Board, contains information on the graduating cohort of high school seniors who took the new SAT during their high school career, as well as the number of students who took related PSAT assessments (PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9) in a given school year. Used by many colleges and universities as a criteria of undergraduate admission, the SAT suite of assessments includes exams for students in eighth grade through 12th grade, and can help identify readiness for AP courses, as well as college and career readiness.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information, comprehensive results may only be available in aggregated data.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.
SED
Survey of Earned Doctorates
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES)
ABOUT
The Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED), is an annual census of all individuals who received a research doctorate from accredited U.S. institutions in a given year. The SED identifies characteristics and trends in doctoral education through the collection of doctoral degree recipients’ demographic information, educational history, and post-graduation plans and outcomes. It also includes a follow-up survey designed to identify characteristics and trends of the population of doctoral recipients. A joint product of the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education, and National Endowment for the Humanities, the SED has been administered annually since 1957.
INDICATORS
DATA LIMITATIONS
- Survey research may incur issues of reliability and validity associated with self-report measures.
- The collection of data on race and ethnicity has changed over time and descriptions of race and ethnicity are limited by the categories provided to individuals at the time of data collection.