Module 6: Further Learning
If you found this module particularly interesting, confusing, or would just like to further explore the topics, feel free to explore these additional resources and readings related to module content. These are just for your benefit and are not required or assigned elements.
This section describes a valuable external dataset the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS.
What is IPEDS?
IPEDS captures your “high dollar” students. These students are those who are recognized through federal reporting. In other words, IPEDS illustrates who “counts” for your institution in the eyes of the federal government. These are the official figures reflecting the performance and students and institutional characteristics about your campus.
IPEDS is a great resource for a wide variety of information about your college or university. However, it is also important to understand of the distinction of IPEDS data because depending on your student demographic and institutional mission, IPEDS data may reflect a majority or even a minority of your students. For an example of how IPEDS in considered when assessing an institution’s graduation rate, take a look at this news clip
Links to an external site.
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“IPEDS is the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. It is a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). IPEDS gathers information from every college, university, and technical and vocational institution that participates in the federal student financial aid programs. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, requires that institutions that participate in federal student aid programs report data on enrollments, program.
IPEDS provides basic data needed to describe — and analyze trends in — postsecondary education in the United States, in terms of the numbers of students enrolled, staff employed, dollars expended, and degrees earned. Congress, federal agencies, state governments, education providers, professional associations, private businesses, media, students and parents, and others rely on IPEDS data for this basic information on postsecondary institutions.
The completion of all IPEDS surveys is mandatory for institutions that participate in or are applicants for participation in any federal student financial aid program (such as Pell grants and federal student loans) authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 USC 1094, Section 487(a)(17) and 34 CFR 668.14(b)(19)).
More than 7,500 institutions complete IPEDS surveys each year. These include research universities, state colleges and universities, private religious and liberal arts colleges, for-profit institutions, community and technical colleges, non-degree-granting institutions such as beauty colleges, and others.” (Source: AIRweb.org)
Use the following links:
Click here for more information about IPEDS Links to an external site..
Click here for an IPEDS Overview Video Tutorial Links to an external site..
Click here to access the IPEDS Data Center Links to an external site..
Additional Resources
Barham, J. D., & Scott, J. H. (2006). Increasing accountability in student affairs through a new comprehensive assessment model. College Student Affairs Journal, 25(2), 209.