Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2013-2016

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2013-2016

IPEDS 2013 IC Institutional Characteristics

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2013-2016

OMB: 1850-0582

Document [pdf]
Download: pdf | pdf
Institutional Characteristics
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
(IPEDS)

This IPEDS Institutional Characteristics data collection instrument was
used during the 2012-13 data collection and will be used again during
the 2013-14 data collection. Changes to the IPEDS Institutional
Characteristics component starting with the 2014-15 data collection are
reflected on the next page.

Changes IPEDS to Institutional Characteristics Component, 2014-15
Additions to Institutional Characteristics component
For all institutions:

Which of the following are available to veterans, military service members, or
their families?
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service
members, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
URL for tuition policies specifically related to veterans and military service
members

For degree-granting institutions only:

What were your annual total library
expenditures for FY2014?*
* If library expenditures = 0, there is no additional Academic Libraries reporting. If library expenditures >
0, institutions will report Section I of the Academic Libraries component. If library expenditures ≥
100,000, institutions will also report Section II of the Academic Libraries component.

Deletions to Institutional Characteristics Component
For all institutions:
Delete Part B, Estimated Fall Enrollment
Move Part B, Question 2 (Admissions Considerations), and 3 and 4 (Selection Process) to the new
Admissions component, to be collected in the Winter collection. All institutions will report on Fall 2014.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for 4-year academic year tuition reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time degree/certificateseeking undergraduate-level students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
undergraduate selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who applied, who were
admitted, and who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available.
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected
fall reporting period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students,
provide the number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th
and 75th percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for
the most recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
FT PY
PT PY
Total
Full-time
Part-time
EnrollEnrollment
ment
  
Undergraduate (academic or occupational
 
 
programs)
  
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time,
 
 
degree/certificate-seeking students
  
Graduate
 
 

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 
3. If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
 
Number of years

                                Select One

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D11).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
2. Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, or out-of-state students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report tuition amounts for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state
students.
Please only select Yes if you really charge different tuition rates, or you will be reporting the same numbers 3 times.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Undergraduate Student Charges
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Amount
  Undergraduate application fee
 
 
5. Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

Prior year

Please be sure to report an average tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).
 
 
In-district
Prior year
In-state
Prior year
Out-of-state
Prior year
All full-time undergraduates
Average tuition
 
 
 
Required fees
 
 
 
6. Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students
Please be sure to report an average per credit tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).
 
 
In-district
Prior year
In-state
Prior year
Out-of-state
Prior year
Per credit hour charge
 
 
 

Part D - Graduate Student Charges
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
                     
Graduate application fee

Amount

Prior year

 
 
 
Please do not include tuition for Doctor’s Degree – Professional Practice programs.
Data for those programs are collected separately.
7. Charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
 
 
Average tuition

In-district

Prior year

 

In-state

Prior year

Out-of-state

 

 

 

 

Prior year

Required fees
 
 
8. Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students
 
 
Per credit hour charge

In-district
 

Prior year

In-state
 

Prior year

Out-of-state
 

Prior year

Part D - Student Charges - Graduate, Doctor's Professional Practice Tuition
9. List the typical tuition and required fees for a full-time doctor's - professional practice student in any of the
selected programs for the full academic year 2012-13.
 
DO NOT include room and board charges
Doctor's degree - professional practice
1. Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.):
   
Tuition amount
 

In-state

Out-of-state

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required fees

2. Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

3. Medicine (M.D.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

4. Optometry (O.D.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

5. Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

6. Pharmacy (Pharm.D.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

7. Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

8. Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

9. Law (J.D.):
 
Tuition amount
 

Required fees

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board
. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?
If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.
If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the
room and board charges blank.
Room and board charges
Amount
Prior year
Room charge (Double occupancy)
 
Board charge (Maximum plan)
 
Combined room and board charge
 
(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
11. Cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate students:
Please enter the amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator. If
your institution participates in any Title IV programs (Pell, Stafford, etc.), you must complete all information. Estimates of
expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of Attendance report
used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid office to get these
numbers, to ensure that you are reporting correctly.
 
 If the 2012-13 tuition and/or fees as reported on this page for full-time, first-time students are covered by a tuition
guarantee program, check the applicable box(es) under 'Tuition Guarantee'. Additionally, please indicate the maximum
% increase that is guaranteed. These numbers are expected to be fairly small. Please contact the Help Desk if you are
confused about these values and how to report them.
Charges for full
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
2012-13
 
 
academic year
Published tuition and required fees:
Guaranteed
Tuition Guarantee
increase %
(check only if applicable to
entering students in 201213)
  In-district
 
 
  
 
 
    Tuition
 
 
 
 
    Required fees

 

 
    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  In-state
    Tuition

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 
 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    Required fees
    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  
  Books and
supplies
On campus:
  Room and board

 

  

    Required fees

 

 

 

 

    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  Out-of-state
    Tuition

 

 

 

 

  

 

  
 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Other expenses
 
  

  Room and board
and other
expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board
 
  Other expenses
 

  

  Room and board
and other
expenses
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part E - Athletic Association
1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?
No

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Yes - Check all that apply
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

 
 
 
 

National Christian College Athletic Association
  (NCCAA)                              
Other
 

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull
down menu.
 
Sport
Football
 
Basketball
 
Baseball
 
Cross country and/or track
 
 

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 

Conference
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student
college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the
final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an
explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Academic
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to academic reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.
An indication of whether your institution's programs are all offered via distance education.

Top
Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if a Secondary School Record is the
only required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscoresis expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2011 for each of the following categories:
•
•

Students in academic or occupational programs
Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report charges for each of the above listed tuition rates throughout
Part D.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.

◦

•

If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a
Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year
amount is displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the
Average tuition and Required fees charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students for the full
academic year 2012-13. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only
be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer
to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
The sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be greater than 0.
The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to
the In-district Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Required fees reported.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the
Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to
include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at
your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions
screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.

•
•
•

The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined
tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year
amount is displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a
Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Comprehensive fee charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13.
Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students.
Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

The Comprehensive fee reported must be greater than 0.
The Comprehensive fee reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a
Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only
be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Graduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with graduate student enrollment
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for graduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students

Full-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide both the
Average Tuition and Required fees charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13. The tuition
rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may be only one rate for all full-time graduate
students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges
Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of full-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The Average tuition reported must be greater than 0.
The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to
the In-district Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Required fees reported.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time graduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the Per
credit hour charge to these students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or
there may be only one rate for all part-time graduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Doctor’s Professional Practice Tuition
Applicable to institutions that indicated in the IC Header survey that they offer the “Doctor’s Degree – Professional
Practice” award level
On this screen, you must provide the typical Tuition amount and Required fees charged to full-time students that are
enrolled in any of the following programs at your institution for the full academic year 2012-13:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
Medicine (M.D.)
Optometry (O.D.)
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)
Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Law (J.D.)

The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-state and Out-of-state, or there may be only one rate for all Doctor’s Degree –
Professional Practice students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported
amount.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered on this screen:
•

The Tuition amount must be greater than 0 for at least one program.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
•
•
•
•

If tuition rates vary for your institution,
amount, or leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
the In-state Tuition amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
the In-state Required fees.

then you must enter both an In-state and Out-of-state Tuition
then the Out-of-state Tuition amount must be greater than or equal to
then you must enter both In-state and Out-of-state Required fees, or
then the Out-of-state Required fees must be greater than or equal to

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive
fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,
and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available
options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic
years. The PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Tuition.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.
The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition amount
entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
The Required fees amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Required
fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range
of the prior year value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current
and prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.
If the PY tuition + fees total in the 2009-10 column is greater than 0, then the current year Tuition + fees
total reported for 2009-10 must be within a 20% range of that value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%
range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any
year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any
year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In
-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If
you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the
Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.
If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are
expected to report a Tuition Guarantee for each applicable tuition rate on this screen; and vice versa.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay
for the entire academic year, for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.

•
•

•
•
•

For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
The Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus must be within a 10% range of the total
amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) on the Room and Board screen of
this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined
tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide the published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
The Comprehensive fee amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Comprehensive fee amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee amount reported must be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

Next, use the checkbox provided to indicate whether the comprehensive fee amount for entering students at your institution in
2012-13 is covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition
Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.
If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are
expected to report a Tuition Guarantee on this screen; and vice versa.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,
and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available
options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic
years. PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be greater than 0.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range of
the prior year value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%
range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any
year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any
year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In
-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If
you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the
Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay
for the entire academic year for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.

•

For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts for both Room and board and Other expenses must be provided for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for 4-year program tuition reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time degree/certificateseeking undergraduate-level students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
undergraduate selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who applied, who were
admitted, and who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available.
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected
fall reporting period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students,
provide the number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th
and 75th percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for
the most recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
FT PY
PT PY
Total
Full-time
Part-time
EnrollEnrollment
ment
  
Undergraduate (academic or occupational
 
 
programs)
  
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time,
 
 
degree/certificate-seeking students
  
Graduate
 
 

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 
3. If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
 
Number of years

                                Select One

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D7).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs
5. How many programs are offered at your institution?
Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the
definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.
    Number of programs
                                         
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
7. Cost of attendance for entering students
Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.
Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of
Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid
office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.
 
Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell
budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price
calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.
LARGEST PROGRAM:
  CIP Code
 
  Title
 
  Enter new largest If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program appears above,
program
click the 'enter new largest program' link, choose a program and enter data for all three years.
Note: if your institution participates in Title IV programs, you must complete all cells.
  How is your
Contact Hours
Credit Hours
 
 
 
 
program
measured?
  Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours
 
  Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time
 
 
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or
 
credit hours
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS
 
 
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Prior year
Amount
  Undergraduate application fee
 
 
The following numbers need to be reported for the entire length of the program. For example, if your program is 18
months long, report 18 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.
If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be
available from your financial aid office.
Published student charges for the entire
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
program
  Tuition and required fees for the entire
 
program
  Books and supplies for the entire program
 
The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).
The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs
for your area, not on national averages.
On campus:
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values
7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values
Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make
sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.
CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
Published student charges for the entire program
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13  
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
   
 
Books and supplies
  
  
  
   
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
Published student charges for an academic year
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
    
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
    
 
Books and supplies
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses

Part D - Student Charges - Program Data
8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each
program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from
the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of
books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in
terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the
entire program.
Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.
Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of
the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.
Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.
 
CIP Code
Tuition and
Total length
Program
# of months to
Cost of
required fees
of
program
Measurement
complete
books and
supplies
1st  
  
  
  
  
Contact
Credit
  
 
 
hours
hours
 
Title   
2nd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
3rd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
4th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
5th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
6th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

 

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board
. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?
If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.
If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the
room and board charges blank.
Room and board charges
Amount
Prior year
Room charge (Double occupancy)
 
Board charge (Maximum plan)
 
Combined room and board charge
 
(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

Part E - Athletic Association
1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?
No

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Yes - Check all that apply
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

 
 
 
 

National Christian College Athletic Association
  (NCCAA)                              
Other
 

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull
down menu.
 
Sport
Football
 
Basketball
 
Baseball
 
Cross country and/or track
 
 

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 

Conference
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student
college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the
final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an
explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.

•

An indication of whether your institutions programs are completely online. 
Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only
required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public
and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•

Students in academic or occupational programs

•

Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦

◦

If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs
On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full
programs, not single courses.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be
required.
Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,
room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

•
•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater
than $50.
For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus
must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,
and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦

•
•
•

If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data
Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.
On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using
the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.
For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program
with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at
your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Tuition and required fees
Cost of books and supplies
Total length of program
Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Number of months to complete

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered on this screen:
•
•

You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of
this survey (up to 6 programs).
Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:
◦ Tuition and required fees
◦ Cost of books and supplies
◦ Total length of program
If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.
If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.
If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award
levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number
greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a
certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months
to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Total length of program
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic
years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for degree-granting 2-year program tuition reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and
who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early
decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting
period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the
number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th
percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most
recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior
to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
Full-time FT PY Enroll
Part-time PT PY Enroll Total
ment
ment
  
Students in academic or occupational
 
 
programs
  
Number of students reported above who are
 
 
first-time students

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 

 

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D7).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs
5. How many programs are offered at your institution?
Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the
definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.
    Number of programs
                                         
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
7. Cost of attendance for entering students
Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.
Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of
Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid
office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.
 
Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell
budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price
calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.
LARGEST PROGRAM:
  CIP Code
 
  Title
 
  Enter new largest If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program appears above,
program
click the 'enter new largest program' link, choose a program and enter data for all three years.
Note: if your institution participates in Title IV programs, you must complete all cells.
  How is your
Contact Hours
Credit Hours
 
 
 
 
program
measured?
  Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours
 
  Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time
 
 
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or
 
credit hours
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS
 
 
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Prior year
Amount
  Application fee
 
 
The following numbers need to be reported for the entire length of the program. For example, if your program is 18
months long, report 18 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.
If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be
available from your financial aid office.
Published student charges for the entire
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
program
  Tuition and required fees for the entire
 
program
  Books and supplies for the entire program
 
The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).
The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs
for your area, not on national averages.
On campus:
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values
7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values
Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make
sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.
CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
Published student charges for the entire program
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13  
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
   
 
Books and supplies
  
  
  
   
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
Published student charges for an academic year
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
    
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
    
 
Books and supplies
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses

Part D - Student Charges - Program Data
8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each
program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from
the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of
books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in
terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the
entire program.
Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.
Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of
the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.
Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.
 
CIP Code
Tuition and
Total length
Program
# of months to
Cost of
required fees
of
program
Measurement
complete
books and
supplies
1st  
  
  
  
  
Contact
Credit
  
 
 
hours
hours
 
Title   
2nd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
3rd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
4th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
5th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
6th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

 

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board
. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?
If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.
If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the
room and board charges blank.
Room and board charges
Amount
Prior year
Room charge (Double occupancy)
 
Board charge (Maximum plan)
 
Combined room and board charge
 
(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

Part E - Athletic Association
1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?
No

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Yes - Check all that apply
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

 
 
 
 

National Christian College Athletic Association
  (NCCAA)                              
Other
 

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull
down menu.
 
Sport
Football
 
Basketball
 
Baseball
 
Cross country and/or track
 
 

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 

Conference
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student
college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the
final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an
explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.

•

An indication of whether your institutions programs are completely online. 
Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only
required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public
and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•

Students in academic or occupational programs

•

Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦

◦

If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs
On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full
programs, not single courses.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be
required.
Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,
room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

•
•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater
than $50.
For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus
must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,
and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦

•
•
•

If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data
Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.
On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using
the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.
For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program
with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at
your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Tuition and required fees
Cost of books and supplies
Total length of program
Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Number of months to complete

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered on this screen:
•
•

You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of
this survey (up to 6 programs).
Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:
◦ Tuition and required fees
◦ Cost of books and supplies
◦ Total length of program
If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.
If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.
If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award
levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number
greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a
certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months
to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Total length of program
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic
years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for degree-granting 2-year program tuition reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and
who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early
decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting
period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the
number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th
percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most
recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior
to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
Full-time FT PY Enroll
Part-time PT PY Enroll Total
ment
ment
  
Students in academic or occupational
 
 
programs
  
Number of students reported above who are
 
 
first-time students

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 

 

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D7).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs
5. How many programs are offered at your institution?
Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the
definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.
    Number of programs
                                         
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
7. Cost of attendance for entering students
Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.
Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of
Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid
office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.
 
Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell
budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price
calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.
LARGEST PROGRAM:
  CIP Code
 
  Title
 
  Enter new largest If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program appears above,
program
click the 'enter new largest program' link, choose a program and enter data for all three years.
Note: if your institution participates in Title IV programs, you must complete all cells.
  How is your
Contact Hours
Credit Hours
 
 
 
 
program
measured?
  Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours
 
  Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time
 
 
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or
 
credit hours
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS
 
 
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Prior year
Amount
  Application fee
 
 
The following numbers need to be reported for the entire length of the program. For example, if your program is 18
months long, report 18 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.
If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be
available from your financial aid office.
Published student charges for the entire
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
program
  Tuition and required fees for the entire
 
program
  Books and supplies for the entire program
 
The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).
The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs
for your area, not on national averages.
On campus:
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values
7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values
Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make
sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.
CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
Published student charges for the entire program
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13  
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
   
 
Books and supplies
  
  
  
   
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
Published student charges for an academic year
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
    
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
    
 
Books and supplies
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses

Part D - Student Charges - Program Data
8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each
program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from
the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of
books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in
terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the
entire program.
Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.
Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of
the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.
Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.
 
CIP Code
Tuition and
Total length
Program
# of months to
Cost of
required fees
of
program
Measurement
complete
books and
supplies
1st  
  
  
  
  
Contact
Credit
  
 
 
hours
hours
 
Title   
2nd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
3rd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
4th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
5th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
6th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

 

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board
. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?
If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.
If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the
room and board charges blank.
Room and board charges
Amount
Prior year
Room charge (Double occupancy)
 
Board charge (Maximum plan)
 
Combined room and board charge
 
(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

Part E - Athletic Association
1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?
No

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Yes - Check all that apply
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

 
 
 
 

National Christian College Athletic Association
  (NCCAA)                              
Other
 

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull
down menu.
 
Sport
Football
 
Basketball
 
Baseball
 
Cross country and/or track
 
 

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 
No
Yes-Specify
 
 
 

Conference
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One
   Select One

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student
college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the
final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an
explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.

•

An indication of whether your institutions programs are completely online. 
Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only
required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public
and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•

Students in academic or occupational programs

•

Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦

◦

If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs
On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full
programs, not single courses.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be
required.
Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,
room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

•
•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater
than $50.
For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus
must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,
and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦

•
•
•

If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data
Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.
On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using
the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.
For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program
with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at
your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Tuition and required fees
Cost of books and supplies
Total length of program
Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Number of months to complete

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered on this screen:
•
•

You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of
this survey (up to 6 programs).
Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:
◦ Tuition and required fees
◦ Cost of books and supplies
◦ Total length of program
If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.
If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.
If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award
levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number
greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a
certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months
to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Total length of program
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic
years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for less than 2-year academic year tuition reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and
who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early
decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting
period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the
number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th
percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most
recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior
to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
Full-time FT PY Enroll
Part-time PT PY Enroll Total
ment
ment
  
Students in academic or occupational
 
 
programs
  
Number of students reported above who are
 
 
first-time students

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 

 

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D11).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
2. Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, or out-of-state students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report tuition amounts for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state
students.
Please only select Yes if you really charge different tuition rates, or you will be reporting the same numbers 3 times.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Undergraduate Student Charges
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Amount
 

Prior year

Application fee
 

 
5. Charges to full-time students for the full academic year 2012-13
Please be sure to report an average tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).
 
 
In-district
Prior year
In-state
Prior year
Out-of-state
Prior year
All full-time students
Average tuition
 
 
 
Required fees
 
 
 
6. Per credit hour charge for part-time students
Please be sure to report an average per credit tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).
 
 
In-district
Prior year
In-state
Prior year
Out-of-state
Prior year
Per credit hour charge
 
 
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
11. Cost of attendance for full-time, first-time students:
Please enter the amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator. If
your institution participates in any Title IV programs (Pell, Stafford, etc.), you must complete all information. Estimates of
expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of Attendance report
used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid office to get these
numbers, to ensure that you are reporting correctly.
 
 If the 2012-13 tuition and/or fees as reported on this page for full-time, first-time students are covered by a tuition
guarantee program, check the applicable box(es) under 'Tuition Guarantee'. Additionally, please indicate the maximum
% increase that is guaranteed. These numbers are expected to be fairly small. Please contact the Help Desk if you are
confused about these values and how to report them.
Charges for full
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
2012-13
 
 
academic year
Published tuition and required fees:
Guaranteed
Tuition Guarantee
increase %
(check only if applicable to
entering students in 201213)
  In-district
 
 
  
 
 
    Tuition
 
 
 
 
    Required fees

 

 
    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  In-state
    Tuition

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 
 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    Required fees
    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  
  Books and
supplies
On campus:
  Room and board

 

  

    Required fees

 

 

 

 

    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  Out-of-state
    Tuition

 

 

 

 

  

 

  
 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Other expenses
 
  

  Room and board
and other
expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board
 
  Other expenses
 

  

  Room and board
and other
expenses
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student
college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the
final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an
explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Academic
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to academic reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.
An indication of whether your institution's programs are all offered via distance education.

Top
Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if a Secondary School Record is the
only required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscoresis expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2011 for each of the following categories:
•
•

Students in academic or occupational programs
Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report charges for each of the above listed tuition rates throughout
Part D.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.

◦

•

If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a
Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year
amount is displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the
Average tuition and Required fees charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students for the full
academic year 2012-13. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only
be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer
to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
The sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be greater than 0.
The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to
the In-district Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Required fees reported.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the
Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to
include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at
your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions
screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.

•
•
•

The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined
tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year
amount is displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a
Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Comprehensive fee charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13.
Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students.
Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

The Comprehensive fee reported must be greater than 0.
The Comprehensive fee reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a
Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only
be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Graduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with graduate student enrollment
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for graduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students

Full-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide both the
Average Tuition and Required fees charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13. The tuition
rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may be only one rate for all full-time graduate
students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges
Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of full-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The Average tuition reported must be greater than 0.
The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to
the In-district Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Required fees reported.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time graduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the Per
credit hour charge to these students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or
there may be only one rate for all part-time graduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Doctor’s Professional Practice Tuition
Applicable to institutions that indicated in the IC Header survey that they offer the “Doctor’s Degree – Professional
Practice” award level
On this screen, you must provide the typical Tuition amount and Required fees charged to full-time students that are
enrolled in any of the following programs at your institution for the full academic year 2012-13:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
Medicine (M.D.)
Optometry (O.D.)
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)
Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Law (J.D.)

The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-state and Out-of-state, or there may be only one rate for all Doctor’s Degree –
Professional Practice students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported
amount.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered on this screen:
•

The Tuition amount must be greater than 0 for at least one program.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
•
•
•
•

If tuition rates vary for your institution,
amount, or leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
the In-state Tuition amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
the In-state Required fees.

then you must enter both an In-state and Out-of-state Tuition
then the Out-of-state Tuition amount must be greater than or equal to
then you must enter both In-state and Out-of-state Required fees, or
then the Out-of-state Required fees must be greater than or equal to

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive
fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,
and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available
options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic
years. The PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Tuition.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.
The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition amount
entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
The Required fees amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Required
fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range
of the prior year value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current
and prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.
If the PY tuition + fees total in the 2009-10 column is greater than 0, then the current year Tuition + fees
total reported for 2009-10 must be within a 20% range of that value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%
range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any
year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any
year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In
-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If
you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the
Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.
If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are
expected to report a Tuition Guarantee for each applicable tuition rate on this screen; and vice versa.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay
for the entire academic year, for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.

•
•

•
•
•

For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
The Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus must be within a 10% range of the total
amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) on the Room and Board screen of
this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined
tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide the published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
The Comprehensive fee amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Comprehensive fee amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee amount reported must be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

Next, use the checkbox provided to indicate whether the comprehensive fee amount for entering students at your institution in
2012-13 is covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition
Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.
If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are
expected to report a Tuition Guarantee on this screen; and vice versa.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,
and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available
options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic
years. PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be greater than 0.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range of
the prior year value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%
range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any
year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any
year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In
-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If
you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the
Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay
for the entire academic year for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.

•

For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts for both Room and board and Other expenses must be provided for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for less than 2-year program tuition reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and
who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early
decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting
period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the
number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th
percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most
recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior
to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
Full-time FT PY Enroll
Part-time PT PY Enroll Total
ment
ment
  
Students in academic or occupational
 
 
programs
  
Number of students reported above who are
 
 
first-time students

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 

 

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D7).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs
5. How many programs are offered at your institution?
Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the
definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.
    Number of programs
                                         
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
7. Cost of attendance for entering students
Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.
Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of
Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid
office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.
 
Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell
budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price
calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.
LARGEST PROGRAM:
  CIP Code
 
  Title
 
  Enter new largest If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program appears above,
program
click the 'enter new largest program' link, choose a program and enter data for all three years.
Note: if your institution participates in Title IV programs, you must complete all cells.
  How is your
Contact Hours
Credit Hours
 
 
 
 
program
measured?
  Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours
 
  Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time
 
 
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or
 
credit hours
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS
 
 
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Prior year
Amount
  Application fee
 
 
The following numbers need to be reported for the entire length of the program. For example, if your program is 18
months long, report 18 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.
If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be
available from your financial aid office.
Published student charges for the entire
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
program
  Tuition and required fees for the entire
 
program
  Books and supplies for the entire program
 
The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).
The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs
for your area, not on national averages.
On campus:
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values
7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values
Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make
sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.
CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
Published student charges for the entire program
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13  
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
   
 
Books and supplies
  
  
  
   
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
Published student charges for an academic year
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
    
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
    
 
Books and supplies
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses

Part D - Student Charges - Program Data
8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each
program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from
the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of
books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in
terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the
entire program.
Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.
Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of
the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.
Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.
 
CIP Code
Tuition and
Total length
Program
# of months to
Cost of
required fees
of
program
Measurement
complete
books and
supplies
1st  
  
  
  
  
Contact
Credit
  
 
 
hours
hours
 
Title   
2nd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
3rd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
4th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
5th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
6th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the
student college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and
the final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often
include an explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.

•

An indication of whether your institutions programs are completely online. 
Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only
required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public
and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•

Students in academic or occupational programs

•

Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦

◦

If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs
On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full
programs, not single courses.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be
required.
Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,
room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

•
•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater
than $50.
For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus
must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,
and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦

•
•
•

If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data
Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.
On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using
the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.
For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program
with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at
your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Tuition and required fees
Cost of books and supplies
Total length of program
Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Number of months to complete

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered on this screen:
•
•

You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of
this survey (up to 6 programs).
Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:
◦ Tuition and required fees
◦ Cost of books and supplies
◦ Total length of program
If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.
If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.
If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award
levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number
greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a
certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months
to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Total length of program
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic
years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for non-degree-granting 2-year academic year
tuition reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and
who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early
decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting
period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the
number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th
percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most
recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior
to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
Full-time FT PY Enroll
Part-time PT PY Enroll Total
ment
ment
  
Students in academic or occupational
 
 
programs
  
Number of students reported above who are
 
 
first-time students

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 

 

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D11).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
2. Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, or out-of-state students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report tuition amounts for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state
students.
Please only select Yes if you really charge different tuition rates, or you will be reporting the same numbers 3 times.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Undergraduate Student Charges
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Amount
 

Prior year

Application fee
 

 
5. Charges to full-time students for the full academic year 2012-13
Please be sure to report an average tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).
 
 
In-district
Prior year
In-state
Prior year
Out-of-state
Prior year
All full-time students
Average tuition
 
 
 
Required fees
 
 
 
6. Per credit hour charge for part-time students
Please be sure to report an average per credit tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).
 
 
In-district
Prior year
In-state
Prior year
Out-of-state
Prior year
Per credit hour charge
 
 
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
11. Cost of attendance for full-time, first-time students:
Please enter the amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator. If
your institution participates in any Title IV programs (Pell, Stafford, etc.), you must complete all information. Estimates of
expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of Attendance report
used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid office to get these
numbers, to ensure that you are reporting correctly.
 
 If the 2012-13 tuition and/or fees as reported on this page for full-time, first-time students are covered by a tuition
guarantee program, check the applicable box(es) under 'Tuition Guarantee'. Additionally, please indicate the maximum
% increase that is guaranteed. These numbers are expected to be fairly small. Please contact the Help Desk if you are
confused about these values and how to report them.
Charges for full
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
2012-13
 
 
academic year
Published tuition and required fees:
Guaranteed
Tuition Guarantee
increase %
(check only if applicable to
entering students in 201213)
  In-district
 
 
  
 
 
    Tuition
 
 
 
 
    Required fees

 

 
    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  In-state
    Tuition

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 
 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 
 

  

 

 

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    Required fees
    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  
  Books and
supplies
On campus:
  Room and board

 

  

    Required fees

 

 

 

 

    Tuition + fees
total
  PY tuition + fees
total
  Out-of-state
    Tuition

 

 

 

 

  

 

  
 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Other expenses
 
  

  Room and board
and other
expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board
 
  Other expenses
 

  

  Room and board
and other
expenses
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student
college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the
final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an
explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Academic
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to academic reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.
An indication of whether your institution's programs are all offered via distance education.

Top
Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if a Secondary School Record is the
only required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscoresis expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2011 for each of the following categories:
•
•

Students in academic or occupational programs
Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report charges for each of the above listed tuition rates throughout
Part D.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.

◦

•

If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a
Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year
amount is displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the
Average tuition and Required fees charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students for the full
academic year 2012-13. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only
be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer
to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
The sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be greater than 0.
The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to
the In-district Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Required fees reported.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the
Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to
include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at
your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions
screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.

•
•
•

The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined
tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year
amount is displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a
Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Comprehensive fee charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13.
Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students.
Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

The Comprehensive fee reported must be greater than 0.
The Comprehensive fee reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a
Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only
be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Graduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with graduate student enrollment
On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for graduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in
the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, you must report charges data for one or both of the following student types, as applicable to your institution:
•
•

Charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13
Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students

Full-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls full-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide both the
Average Tuition and Required fees charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13. The tuition
rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may be only one rate for all full-time graduate
students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges
Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of full-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The Average tuition reported must be greater than 0.
The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to
the In-district Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Required fees reported.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with part-time graduate enrollment
If your institution enrolls part-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the Per
credit hour charge to these students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or
there may be only one rate for all part-time graduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that
includes all levels of part-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year
amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal
to the In-district Per credit hour charge.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or
equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Doctor’s Professional Practice Tuition
Applicable to institutions that indicated in the IC Header survey that they offer the “Doctor’s Degree – Professional
Practice” award level
On this screen, you must provide the typical Tuition amount and Required fees charged to full-time students that are
enrolled in any of the following programs at your institution for the full academic year 2012-13:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
Medicine (M.D.)
Optometry (O.D.)
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)
Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Law (J.D.)

The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-state and Out-of-state, or there may be only one rate for all Doctor’s Degree –
Professional Practice students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported
amount.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered on this screen:
•

The Tuition amount must be greater than 0 for at least one program.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
•
•
•
•

If tuition rates vary for your institution,
amount, or leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
the In-state Tuition amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution,
the In-state Required fees.

then you must enter both an In-state and Out-of-state Tuition
then the Out-of-state Tuition amount must be greater than or equal to
then you must enter both In-state and Out-of-state Required fees, or
then the Out-of-state Required fees must be greater than or equal to

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive
fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,
and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available
options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic
years. The PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Tuition.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.
The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition amount
entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
The Required fees amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Required
fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range
of the prior year value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current
and prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.
If the PY tuition + fees total in the 2009-10 column is greater than 0, then the current year Tuition + fees
total reported for 2009-10 must be within a 20% range of that value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%
range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any
year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any
year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In
-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If
you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the
Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.
If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are
expected to report a Tuition Guarantee for each applicable tuition rate on this screen; and vice versa.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay
for the entire academic year, for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.

•
•

•
•
•

For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
The Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus must be within a 10% range of the total
amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) on the Room and Board screen of
this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined
tuition, fees, room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide the published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
The Comprehensive fee amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Comprehensive fee amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee amount reported must be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

Next, use the checkbox provided to indicate whether the comprehensive fee amount for entering students at your institution in
2012-13 is covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition
Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.
If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are
expected to report a Tuition Guarantee on this screen; and vice versa.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,
and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available
options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic
years. PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be greater than 0.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range of
the prior year value.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%
range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any
year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any
year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In
-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If
you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the
Guaranteed increase %.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a
Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.
The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay
for the entire academic year for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.

•

For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts for both Room and board and Other expenses must be provided for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for non-degree-granting 2-year program tuition
reporters
Part A - Mission Statement
1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be
found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the
public on College Navigator.
 
Mission Statement URL:
 
 
 
Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"
Mission Statement
 
 

2. Are all the programs at your institution offered completely via distance education?
   

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

No                                                                                

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment
1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?
If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered
open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only
reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.
If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,
and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
   
Yes
 
 
 
No                                                                                
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations
2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its
selection process.
 
Admission Considerations
Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record

Required Recommended Neither Required Don't
nor Recommended Know
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,
certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores
SAT / ACT
Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or
equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,
please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is
open admission.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process
3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and
who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early
decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting
period.
Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.
Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,
please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.
Select reporting period:
Fall 2011
Fall 2012  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Men
Women
Total
Number of applicants
 
 
 
Number of admissions
 
 
 
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full 
 
 
time
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part 
 
 
time
  
  
  
Total enrolled full-time and part-time
  
  
  
Percent of admissions enrolled full-time
and part-time
 
4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the
number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th
percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most
recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior
to the selected fall reporting period.
DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both
SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.
Select reporting period
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT
 
 
 
 
 
 
required
Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
 
Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
 
 
 
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
SAT Critical Reading
 
 
SAT Math
 
 
SAT Writing
 
 
ACT Composite
 
 
ACT English
 
 
ACT Math
 
 
ACT Writing
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment
Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those
indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help
Desk.
These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.
Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring
collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;
for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1
and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.
Full-time FT PY Enroll
Part-time PT PY Enroll Total
ment
ment
  
Students in academic or occupational
 
 
programs
  
Number of students reported above who are
 
 
first-time students

Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities
1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]
 
   

Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for life experiences

 

Advanced placement (AP) credits

 

None of the above

2. What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

ROTC
 

 

 

 

Army               
 
 
Study abroad

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navy               
 

 

Air Force               
 

 

Weekend/evening college

 

Teacher certification (for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not include certifications to teach at the postsecondary level.
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
 
 
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
 
 
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
 
 
None of the above

 
 

 

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities
4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
     
 

Remedial services
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/career counseling services

 

Employment services for current students

 

Placement services for program completers

 

On-campus day care for children of students

 

None of the above

   
5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution?
   
 
Have our own library
 
 
 
Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
 
 
 
Neither of the above
 
 
6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
 
 

No
 

 

Yes
 

 

Tuition guarantee
 

 

Prepaid tuition plan
 

 

Tuition payment plan
 

 

Other (specify in box below)
 
7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.
   
 

 
Undergraduate
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate

 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part C - Disability Service
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as
students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).
   
3 percent or less
 
 
 
   
More than 3 percent:
%
 
 
 
Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges Questions
1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance
(D7).
This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.
If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer
No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is
very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.
 
No
 
 
 
Yes, and we do not make ANY (even
 
  one) exceptions to this rule
3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a
combined room and board charge (D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
Specify housing capacity for academic
year 2012-13
 
 
4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge
(D10).
 
No
 
 
 
Yes - Enter the number of meals per
 
  week in the maximum meal plan
available
 
 
 
Yes - Number of meals per week can
 
  vary (e.g., students' charge meals
against a meal card)

Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs
5. How many programs are offered at your institution?
Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the
definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.
    Number of programs
                                         
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance
7. Cost of attendance for entering students
Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.
Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of
Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid
office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.
 
Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell
budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price
calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.
LARGEST PROGRAM:
  CIP Code
 
  Title
 
  Enter new largest If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program appears above,
program
click the 'enter new largest program' link, choose a program and enter data for all three years.
Note: if your institution participates in Title IV programs, you must complete all cells.
  How is your
Contact Hours
Credit Hours
 
 
 
 
program
measured?
  Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours
 
  Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time
 
 
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or
 
credit hours
 
 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS
 
 
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount.
   
Prior year
Amount
  Application fee
 
 
The following numbers need to be reported for the entire length of the program. For example, if your program is 18
months long, report 18 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.
If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be
available from your financial aid office.
Published student charges for the entire
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
program
  Tuition and required fees for the entire
 
program
  Books and supplies for the entire program
 
The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).
The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs
for your area, not on national averages.
On campus:
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (not with family):
  Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 
  
  Room and board and other expenses for 4
weeks (1 month)
Off campus (with family):
  Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month)
 

Image
description.
These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
End of image
description.

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.
 

Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values
7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values
Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make
sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.
CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM
  
Published student charges for the entire program
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13  
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
   
 
Books and supplies
  
  
  
   
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
Published student charges for an academic year
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
    
 
Tuition and required fees
  
  
  
    
 
Books and supplies
On campus:
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (not with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board                                        
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses
  
  
  
    
 
Room and board and other expenses
Off campus (with family):
  
  
  
    
 
Other expenses

Part D - Student Charges - Program Data
8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each
program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from
the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of
books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in
terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the
entire program.
Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.
Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of
the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.
Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.
 
CIP Code
Tuition and
Total length
Program
# of months to
Cost of
required fees
of program
Measurement
complete
books and
supplies
1st  
  
  
  
  
Contact
Credit
  
 
 
hours
hours
 
Title   
2nd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
3rd select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
4th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
5th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
6th select
Contact
Credit
 
  hours
 
  hours  
 
 
 
clear  
 
Title
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C - Student Services
Part D - Student Charges
Part E - Athletic Association
Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic
institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.
IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee
data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living
situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during
the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•
There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,
or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.
•
!! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made
in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year
systems.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.
•

Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not
available at the time of reporting.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes

Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey component
items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website, which is the college search
tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes for applicability and appropriateness
before posting them on the College Navigator Website; institutions should check grammar and spelling of
their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics survey to ensure you are reporting data for
the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary throughout the IC survey
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group, ensure that the guidelines below are met.

A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award.
Students enrolled in courses that are part of a vocational or occupational program, including those
enrolled in off-campus centers.
High school students taking regular college courses for credit under their classification as recorded by
the institution.
Full-time students taking remedial courses if the student is considered degree-seeking for the purpose
of student financial aid determination.
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses (e.g., online students).
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree.

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award or the completion of a
vocational program.
Students taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) unless they are also enrolled in courses creditable
toward a degree or other formal award.
Students exclusively auditing classes.
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice fields, since they have already received their
Doctor's degree.
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at this institution is only
an administrative record and the fee is nominal.
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]

AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self-paced
overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.

IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary, data tip
sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories and other relevant
information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.
At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
College Navigator Website
•
IPEDS Data Center
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
IPEDS First Looks
•
IPEDS Table Library
•
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
•
The Digest of Education Statistics
•
The Condition of Education
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement
Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where
the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be
available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education
A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed
via distance education courses.
A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively
via distance education.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction
may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open
broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless
communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the
cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed
above.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy
Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.
If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,
and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For
example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely
open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being
admitted.
Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's
admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is
open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations
Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,
neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process
Applicants/admitted/enrolled students
First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate
the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and
the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may
include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.
**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment
levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time
students leave those boxes blank.**

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall
reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration
for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,
placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants
(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.
Test scores
**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be
reported separately.**
First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test
scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores
and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted
the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics
scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as
TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be
included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for
admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment
Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment
component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students
that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of
students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will
NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.
Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,
if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you
indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the
current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities
Special credit
Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.
Special learning opportunities
Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers
to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and
not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry
If the
years
study
years

institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the
of study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of
prior to admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4
of study for entrance.

Student services
Student services
Indicate which of the listed services are offered by the institution.
Library
Indicate whether your institution has its own library, contributes financially to a shared library, or
neither.

Alternative tuition plans
Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of
the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual
information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing
information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings
Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or
graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do
not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.
Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not
exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities
Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally
registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the
equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other
types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will
need to indicate a percentage.
Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your
disabilities services website.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions
If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be
required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement
Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in
institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as
a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the
Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.
This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence
Indicate if the institution charges a different price for students from in-district, in-state, or out-ofstate.

Institutionally controlled housing
Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and
if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans

Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal
plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be
asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:
•
•
•

Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;
Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college
work; or
Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are
designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than
to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students
This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL
undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible
that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.
Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of
full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding
reporting:
•

•
•
•
•

Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,
and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the
same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate
that you do not charge different tuitions.
If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the
average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.
If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter
the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students
Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per
credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different
tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are
the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and
indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students

Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is
taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in
graduate programs.
Graduate application fee
If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount
of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the
institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the
student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students
Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students
at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:
•
•

•
•

Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.
Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full
academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in
-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they
are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not
charge different tuitions.
When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of
students.
Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students
Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students
per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge
different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if
two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this
and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees
Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected
professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)
Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of
courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the
institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board
Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer
the questions in this section.
Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with
one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be
separated.
If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable
offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate
students
If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision
system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)
should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC
YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,
and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for
student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and
room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission
without these data.
Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the
calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College
Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.
111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).
Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is
not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance
Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should
follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program
Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.
This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.
Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP
code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has
changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4
years as indicated on the screen.
To enter or change the largest program
•
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
•
Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a
student attending full-time).
•
Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or
credit hours and in weeks.
•
Enter an application fee (if applicable).
•
Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR
THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are
the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial
assistance.

Note: Programs of English as a second language and GED courses are not to be included in IPEDS.

Reporting the next 5 largest programs
This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering
students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).
•
•
•
•
•
•
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Only if reporting 6 largest programs because you do not have full-time, first-time students, enter an
application fee (if applicable).
Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.
If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.
Enter the tuition and required fees charged for the entire length of the program.
Enter the cost of books and supplies for the program.
Report the full length of the program and indicate whether the length of the entire program is
measured in contact or credit hours.
Report the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the program.

Part E - Athletic Association
Indicate if the institution is a member of a national athletic association.
For institutions belonging to NCAA or NAIA, select the conference (by sport) from the
drop list provided.
Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/27/2012

Term

Definition

25th percentile

The score at or below which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

75th percentile

The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT

ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational
development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural
science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a
student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students
admitted)

Applicants that have been granted an official offer to enroll in a postsecondary institution.

Admissions test scores

Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)
courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of
the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or
other formal award.

Applicant

An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission
(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the
following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by
applicant or institution.

Application fee

That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for
admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it
refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges

Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan

The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific
charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may
charge their meals.

Books and supplies

The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or
program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art
majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

CIP code

A six-digit code in the form xx.xxxx that identifies instructional program specialties within
educational institutions.

Classification of
Instructional Programs
(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended
to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that
capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical
standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information
surveys and databases.

Clock hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee

A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,
and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred
to as clock hour.

Counseling service

Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,
career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences

Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult
courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion
of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded
through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service

A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and
school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking
students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,
certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for
credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services

Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to
empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also
include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most
integrated setting possible.

Distance education

Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated
from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the
instructor synchronously or asynchronously.

Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way
transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber
optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,
and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the
technologies listed above.
Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit

A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,
taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student
college credits .

Early action

An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in
advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll
(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

Early admission

A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted to and enrolled fulltime in college, usually after completion of their junior year.

Early decision

A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,
if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of
admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three
possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but
forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for
current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying
part of the cost of their education.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic
or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for
the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that
is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

GED (General Educational
Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an
opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council
on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning
comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board

An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of
institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the
president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic
planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or
recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of
studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity

The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether
on or off campus.

In-district student

A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to
reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition

The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend
school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

In-state student

A student who is a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

In-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency
requirements.

Institutionally controlled
housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an
institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s
educational purposes.

Library

An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as
one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,
microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff
accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a
learning resource center.

Net price

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly
price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an
institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is
generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional
grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of
published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and
supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data
are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are
collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.
Off-campus (not with
family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in
any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family)

A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any
housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing

Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational
institution.

On-campus housing

Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same
reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a
manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

Open admission

Admission policy whereby the school will accept any student who applies.

Other expenses

The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses
such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

Out-of-state student

A student who is not a legal resident of the state in which he/she attends school.

Out-of-state tuition

The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's
residency requirements.

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than
24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or
quarter credits.

Placement services for
program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment
upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education
institution

An institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of
postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan

A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for
future years, at current prices.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services

Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a
regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees

Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large
proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges

The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room
with one other student.

SAT

Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will
progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library

A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is
jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating
expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the
facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions
tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education
institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications
relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad

Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.
Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an
institution of another country.

System

An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a
common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their
own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these
powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification
program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in
elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a
Foreign Language
(TOEFL)

The standardized test designed to determine an applicant's ability to benefit from instruction in
English.

Transcript

An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the
final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an
explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition

The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per
term, per course, or per credit.

Tuition and fees
(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to
students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same
for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees
include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the
student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee

A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not
increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five
years.

Tuition payment plan

A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of
time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college

A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on
weekends or only in the evenings.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
6) What is an open admission policy?
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question
5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and
off campus?
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?
4) What are “other expenses”?
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:
General
1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional
information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges
data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or
for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student
budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used
in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.
Back to top
2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

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 completions, graduation rates, faculty and staff, finances, institutional prices, and student financial
aid.
Back to top
3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header
survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall
Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the
Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of
instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution
in the system is represented.
Back to top
4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the
fall?

No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing
and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of
the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,
Student Financial Aid).
Back to top
5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Back to top
6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas
are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability
to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.
Back to top
7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision
students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to
accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification
date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior
to the fall reporting period.
Back to top
8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students
enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include
students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).
This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also
the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.
Back to top
9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in
the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the
admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.
Back to top
10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two
sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination
of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores
and you average the scores, then use that average.
Back to top
Student Charges
1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or
married students?

Yes, if the institution is providing the housing and the students pay “rent” or “board” to the institution.
Back to top
2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

You should report the meal plan that offers the maximum number of meals per week.
Back to top
3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in
Part D question 5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

The tuition and fees reported in question 5 are the average amounts charged to all full-time undergraduate
students; the tuition and fees in question 11 represent the average amounts charged to full-time, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as
these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.
Back to top
4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

If your institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, then you should estimate average tuition based
on the average full-time credit hour load for an entire academic year. If you have different charges for
different programs at the undergraduate or graduate levels, calculate the “average” tuition using the amount
that a typical student would expect to pay. BE SURE TO REPORT TUITION FOR THE ENTIRE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Back to top
Price of Attendance
1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled
housing both on and off campus?

Report the room and board amounts used by your financial aid office for determining student budgets. The
other expenses are the amount of money estimated by the financial aid office needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings. Do not include the tuition and
required fees with other expenses.
Back to top
2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

You should enter the amount for a typical full-time student living off campus with family or not with family
used by the financial aid office to determine the student budget.
Back to top
3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

Yes, if your institution does not require all of full-time, first-time students to live on campus (or makes ANY
exceptions to this policy).
Back to top
4) What are “other expenses”?

This is the amount of money, estimated by the financial aid office, that is needed by a student to cover
expenses such as laundry, transportation, entertainment, and furnishings.
Back to top
5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special
learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and
required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission
statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your
institution on College Navigator.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program reporting institutions
NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,
some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the
specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Part D: Student Charges
Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:
•

The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed
mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College
Navigator website.
Note: You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement. You may not enter both.

•

An indication of whether your institutions programs are completely online. 
Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment
Open Admission
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.
•

If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens
for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy
On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection
process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Secondary school GPA
Secondary school rank
Secondary school record
Completion of college-preparatory program
Recommendations
Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)
Admission test scores: SAT/ACT
Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

For each of the above listed admission considerations, you must choose exactly one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Required
Recommended
Neither Required nor Recommended
Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only
required admission consideration.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must select a response for each admission consideration.
You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Open Admission screen that they do NOT have an open
admission policy

On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were
admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available
(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the
summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following
categories for the selected reporting period:
•
•
•
•

Number
Number
Number
Number

of applicants
of admissions
(of admitted) that enrolled full-time
(of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required
to sum to the Total column.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.
For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for
that category.
The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions
reported.
The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions
that are Men.
The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of
admissions that are Women.
The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled (full-time + part-time).
The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.
The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of
admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will
occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of
admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be
provided.
If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.
If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on
this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.
If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value
entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT
PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment
screen of this survey, as outlined below:
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that
enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled
part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.
If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

•

•
•

If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of
admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation
must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your
institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were
admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.
Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be
the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose
from the following options:
•
•
•

Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,
then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder
of the Selection Process screen.
Otherwise, you must enter the following information:
•
•
•
•

The
The
The
The

number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores
number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores
percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for this question:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•

A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.
If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then
you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.
If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you
are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are
expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.
The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported
Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).
The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal
to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question
(Question B3).
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.
If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of
enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.
The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the
following test categories, as applicable:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

SAT
SAT
SAT
ACT
ACT
ACT
ACT

Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
English
Math
Writing

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.
SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each
SAT test category.
If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the
first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT
English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.
ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT
Writing test category.
For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile
score in that same test category; and vice versa.

•
•
•
•
•

For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th
Percentile.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public
and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit
institutions.
The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and
4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students
for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.
Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
Graduate

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.
The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or
equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%
range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection
Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this
screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions
Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October
15, 2012 for each of the following categories:
•

Students in academic or occupational programs

•

Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC
Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.
For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year
value must also be greater than 0.
The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students
in academic or occupational programs reported.
For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY
Enrollment value, as outlined below:
◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.
◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that
value.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the
following statements are true:
◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled full-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of
admitted) that enrolled part-time.
The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total
Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of
the following statements are true:
◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.
◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.
◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)
that enrolled part-time.

Top
Part C: Student Services/Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.
◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)
◦ Credit for life experiences
◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
What types of special learning opportunities are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ ROTC
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
▪
Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
▪
Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization
▪
This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers
◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)

•

Applicable to 4-year institutions
If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the
undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?
◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it
does not apply to your institution.

Student Services
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions. If the selected option has subcategories, at least one of
these must also be selected.
•

•

•

•

Which
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦

of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
Remedial Services
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for current students
Placement services for program completers
On-campus day care for children of students
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another
postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Have our own library
◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library
◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this
question.)
Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)
▪
Tuition guarantee
▪
Prepaid tuition plan
▪
Tuition payment plan
▪
Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the
bottom of the screen.)
◦ No
Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with
disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:
•
•

3 percent or less
More than 3 percent (If this option is selected, then you must specify the percentage in the box provided.)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.
If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50
percent.

Top
Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The
number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each
applicable screening question.
•

•

•

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of
Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus
anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student
Financial Aid survey.
Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:
▪
You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.
▪
You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance
screen.
▪
You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the
appropriate screens in Part D.
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦

◦

If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:
▪
Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
▪
Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this
option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)
If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room
and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•
•
•

If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in
institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled
housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity
must be greater than 0.
If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.
If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs
On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full
programs, not single courses.
The system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be
required.
Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or meal plan question on
the Charges Questions screen
This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full
academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your
institution:
•
•
•

Room charge (double occupancy)
Board charge (Maximum plan)
Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen
of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and
board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.
The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.
The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.
The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to
be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,
room, and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

•
•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater
than $50.
For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus
must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,
and board charges)
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Total length of program in contact or credit hours
Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student
Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours
Total lenth of academic year in weeks

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for
Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC
Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks must be greater than 8.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in
weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦

•
•
•

If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.
If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.
If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in
hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.
The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is
displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected
in the current year.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent
academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the
average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with
family) must be between $300 and $2000.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected
to be between $251 and $400.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data
Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.
On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using
the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.
For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program
with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at
your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Tuition and required fees
Cost of books and supplies
Total length of program
Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Number of months to complete

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered on this screen:
•
•

You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of
this survey (up to 6 programs).
Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:
◦ Tuition and required fees
◦ Cost of books and supplies
◦ Total length of program
If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.
If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.
If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.
If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the
corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award
levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
of less than one year
(less than 900
contact hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•

Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award, Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma
of at least one but less of at least two but less
than two years (900 to than four years (more
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)

Expected
contact
hour
range

Y

Y

N

Between
200 and
1799

N

Y

Y

Between
900 and
3000

Y

N

N

Between
200 and
899

N

Y

N

Between
900 and
1799

N

N

Y

Between
1800 and
3000

If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number
greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a
certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months
to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.
◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of
months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top
Part E: Athletic Association
Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions
On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer
must be provided for both questions.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If
Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)
Other

For Question E2, you must select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the
following sports:
•
•
•
•

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your
institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select
Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.
If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are
expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
Pricing Questions
The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must
be provided for each of the following screening questions.
•

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or
No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.
Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,
answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid
survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or
equal to $100.
Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link
provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.
Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the
program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Total length of program
Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)
Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic
years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding
question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average
cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a
20% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and
prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the
prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,
laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most
recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or
all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your
answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•

For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $500.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be
greater than $100.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students
living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for
students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all
applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for private 2-yr institutions
Part A - Educational Offerings
1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]
If your institution does not offer occupational or academic programs, you are not expected to complete this or any other
IPEDS survey.
 
   
Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
 
 
 
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
 
 
 
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
 
 
 
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
 
 
 
Secondary (high school)
 
 

Part A - System Office
2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure
Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the
institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from
system name.
If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this
question is blank.
 
No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same
way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
 
 

Part B - Organization - Control and Levels
1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?
Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the
IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If
you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.
   
Public - Select primary
 
 
and or secondary controls
below
 
 
Primary control
Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       
 
 
 
             Select One

Select One

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

 

                                                                        Select One
 
2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the
number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is
meant only to provide context.
The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We
expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.
    Award Level  
 
  BELOW THE BACCALAUREATE:
 
1
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)
 
        - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - less than 45 quarter credit hours
 
2
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic
 
  years)
      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
 
3
Associate's degree
 
 
 
4
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic
 
  years)
      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - 90 or more quarter credit hours
  BACCALAUREATE AND ABOVE:
 
5
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
 
 
 
6
Postbaccalaureate certificate
 
 
 
7
Master's degree
 
 
 
8
Post-master's certificate
 
 
 
17
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
 
 
 
18
Doctor's degree - professional practice
 
 
 
19
Doctor's degree - Other
 
 
 
12
Other (specify in box below)
 
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

Part B - Organization - Calendar System
Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics
student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the
spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.
If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.
Semester                                                                                                    
 
Quarter
 
Trimester
 
4-1-4 or similar plan
 
 
Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data
based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and
student charges data by PROGRAM.
 
Differs by program
 
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
 
 
Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method (Standard academic terms, other academic calendar)
Selecting the hybrid calendar type determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data based on a
FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and student charges
data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.
Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
 
 

Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment
4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?
Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data
(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.
Full-time
Part-time
Students in academic or occupational programs

No
 

First-time students

 

Yes
 

 

No
 

 

Yes
No
 
 
 
 
6. For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

Yes
 

 

 

 

No

Yes

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the
spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates
for the cohort year requested. If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students on the 2009-10
Fall Enrollment survey, the data will be preloaded below.
 
No
 
 
This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time
 
degree/certificate-seeking students.
 
This institution was not in operation in 2009-10.
 
 
Yes
 
 
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)
 

Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution
during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.
 
 
No
 
 
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.
 
 
Undergraduate
 
 
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational Offerings and System
Part B - Organization
Part C - Operation
Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect
basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These
data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS
surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so
please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk
(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•

•

The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question
determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so
please respond accurately.
The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) covers data for the current year with two exceptions.
•
•

Cohort data in B6 refer to a past cohort and are used to set the Graduation Rates component (GR).
For new institutions, the question about prior year operation refers to the prior academic year (201112) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes
Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey
component items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website,
which is the college search tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes
for applicability and appropriateness before posting them on the College Navigator Website,
however, institutions should check grammar and spelling of their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey to ensure you are
reporting data for the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary
throughout the IC-H survey (e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group,
ensure that the guidelines below are met.
A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award,
including those enrolled in off-campus centers
High school students taking regular college courses for credit
Full-time students taking remedial courses IF the student is considered degree-seeking for the
purpose of student financial aid determination
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses for credit (e.g., online students)
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Students exclusively auditing classes
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have
already received their Doctor's degree
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution
is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]
AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self
-paced overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.
IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary,
data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories
and other relevant information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
•
•

College Navigator Website (including the College Affordability and Transparency Center)
IPEDS Data Center
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
•
•
•
•

IPEDS First Looks
IPEDS Table Library
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
The Digest of Education Statistics
The Condition of Education

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational offerings

Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions
and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined
as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for
students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is
occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult
basic education programs.
If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by
IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,
Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)
Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the
institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.
Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not
limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health
organizations.
Do not include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

coordinating systems
single institution owner
single institution corporate name
single institution governing board
consortia
associations
religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation
Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution
has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.
Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is
optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or
affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public
on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in
incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If
you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.
Award levels
Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are
identified based on duration and/or awards.
•

•

•
•
•

Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system
(e.g., semester or quarter).
◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1
but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally
be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.
▪
One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester
credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.
Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the
baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to
describe these levels.
Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to
make formal awards.
Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.
If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12
(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that
fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.

Calendar system
Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are
offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If
there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best
characterizes your institution.
If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS
Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure
to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS
Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.
•

•

•

Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)
◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall
reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into
the next year's Student Financial Aid component.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.
Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length
of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living
expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported
with the largest program.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.
Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,
please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this
calendar system for your institution.)
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment
Enrollment of full- and part-time students.
Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all
levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition
charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall
Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.
•
Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as
this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics
screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection.

Doctor's - professional practice
Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.
If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the
listed programs, indicate no.
GRS cohort question.
•
4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students
enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.
•
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time
degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must
report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation
New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior
academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.

Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/8/2012

Term

Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system)

The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and
4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education

Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,
writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high
school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the
postsecondary level.

Associate's degree

An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs

Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to
produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in
occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree

An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of
Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)
program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,
industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their
college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed
in 3 years.

Calendar system

The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate

A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort

A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred to
as clock hour.

Continuing professional
education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a
professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional
training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes
at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might
allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on
a certain date.

Control (of institution)

A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public
control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from
private sources (private control).

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree

An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official
recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program
(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational
programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the
program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,
September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other

A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a
doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including
the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and
execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some
examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,
as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings

Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or
continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or
avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that
are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort

The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation
Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or
certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or
occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the
first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is
considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

Full-year cohort

The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August
31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that
primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to
be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation

A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious
group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously
affiliated.

Less than 2-year
institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the
baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed
1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering

Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable
levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of
recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels
indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of
study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less
than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by
a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree

An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time
equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.
Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified
as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program

A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient
knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar
system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting
institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24
contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter
credits.

Post-master's certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit
hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the
doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate
certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit
hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,
but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 1 but less than 2
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at
least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock
hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 2 but less than 4
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in
at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or
clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
(less than 1 academic
year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or
designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter
credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than
wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution

An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,
usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected
or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other
than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Programs of at least 2
years but less than 4
years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,
including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than
3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4
years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,
diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other
baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those
programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2
years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6
quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal
award.

Public institution

An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or
appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar
system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12
weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an
additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar
system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with
about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar
system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:
General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I
report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.
Back to top
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake
in the fall?

It is important to report IC Header data correctly the first time, as changes to this component affect all of the
other surveys. If you made an error that impacts your ability to respond appropriately to other components,
call the Help Desk at 877-225-2568, and they will change the necessary data. For example, if you indicated
that you do not enroll any full-time, first-time students (thus no GRS or SFA surveys are generated), you
may correct your answer so that you can complete this survey.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header 2-yr institutions
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics Header Component
Applicable to 2-year institutions
Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.
Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to
determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Educational Offerings
Part B: Organization
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable
types from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•

Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of
the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then
completion of this survey is mandatory.
An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:
•
•
•

Recreational or avocational
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your
institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.
System Office
You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 
•
•

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution.
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls
the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your
organization.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
Top
Part B: Organization
Control/affiliation
On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided
(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).
An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.
Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).

Award Levels
You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels
for all credit programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - Other
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.
Calendar System
On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method
If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard
academic terms below:
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.
Program Reporting Method
If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit
hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based
on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.
Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)

Note: Selecting Other academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data
based on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.
If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further
assistance.

Student Enrollment
Applicable to public, 2-year institutions only

This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution
must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full
-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•

Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.
You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.
You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on
a Full-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or
occupational programs) students on a Full-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on
a Part-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or
occupational programs) students on a Part-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Undergraduate students, you must select at least one Award Level
at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the
current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.
If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data
(in the spring collection) for this cohort.

Student Enrollment
Applicable to private, 2-year institutions only
This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution
must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full
-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:
•
•

Students in academic or occupational programs
First-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.
You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.
You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Full-time basis, then you must also report
that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Full-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Part-time basis, then you must also report
that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Part-time basis.
If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the
current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.
If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time students
determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.

Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:
•

For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:
•
•

This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.
This institution was not in operation in 2009-2010.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment
survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

If you responded Yes to this question:

◦
◦

•

you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the spring collection; and
you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and
Levels screen.
If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes
to this question; and vice versa.

Top
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following
question:
•

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2011-12
academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:
•
•
•
•

Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
Doctor's professional

Top
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that
campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable
award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - Other
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.
Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:
•

Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?

Top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for public 2-yr institutions
Part A - Educational Offerings
1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]
If your institution does not offer occupational or academic programs, you are not expected to complete this or any other
IPEDS survey.
 
   
Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
 
 
 
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
 
 
 
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
 
 
 
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
 
 
 
Secondary (high school)
 
 

Part A - System Office
2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure
Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the
institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from
system name.
If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this
question is blank.
 
No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same
way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
 
 

Part B - Organization - Control and Levels
1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?
Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the
IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If
you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.
   
Public - Select primary
 
 
and or secondary controls
below
 
 
Primary control
Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       
 
 
 
             Select One

Select One

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

 

                                                                        Select One
 
2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the
number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is
meant only to provide context.
The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We
expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.
    Award Level  
 
  BELOW THE BACCALAUREATE:
 
1
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)
 
        - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - less than 45 quarter credit hours
 
2
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic
 
  years)
      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
 
3
Associate's degree
 
 
 
4
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic
 
  years)
      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - 90 or more quarter credit hours
  BACCALAUREATE AND ABOVE:
 
5
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
 
 
 
6
Postbaccalaureate certificate
 
 
 
7
Master's degree
 
 
 
8
Post-master's certificate
 
 
 
17
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
 
 
 
18
Doctor's degree - professional practice
 
 
 
19
Doctor's degree - Other
 
 
 
12
Other (specify in box below)
 
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

Part B - Organization - Calendar System
Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics
student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the
spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.
If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.
Semester                                                                                                    
 
Quarter
 
Trimester
 
4-1-4 or similar plan
 
 
Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data
based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and
student charges data by PROGRAM.
 
Differs by program
 
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
 
 
Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method (Standard academic terms, other academic calendar)
Selecting the hybrid calendar type determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data based on a
FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and student charges
data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.
Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
 
 

Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment
4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?
Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data
(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.
Full-time
Part-time
Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

No
 

Yes
 

 

 

 

No
 

 

 

 

No
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
6. For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

 

First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

 
No

Yes

Yes
 

 

 

 

 

 

No

Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

Yes

No

Yes

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the
spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates
for the cohort year requested. If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students on the 2009-10
Fall Enrollment survey, the data will be preloaded below.
 
No
 
 
This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time
 
degree/certificate-seeking students.
 
This institution was not in operation in 2009-10.
 
 
Yes
 
 
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)
 

Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution
during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.
 
 
No
 
 
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.
 
 
Undergraduate
 
 
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational Offerings and System
Part B - Organization
Part C - Operation
Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect
basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These
data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS
surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so
please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk
(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•

•

The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question
determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so
please respond accurately.
The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) covers data for the current year with two exceptions.
•
•

Cohort data in B6 refer to a past cohort and are used to set the Graduation Rates component (GR).
For new institutions, the question about prior year operation refers to the prior academic year (201112) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes
Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey
component items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website,
which is the college search tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes
for applicability and appropriateness before posting them on the College Navigator Website,
however, institutions should check grammar and spelling of their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey to ensure you are
reporting data for the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary
throughout the IC-H survey (e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group,
ensure that the guidelines below are met.
A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award,
including those enrolled in off-campus centers
High school students taking regular college courses for credit
Full-time students taking remedial courses IF the student is considered degree-seeking for the
purpose of student financial aid determination
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses for credit (e.g., online students)
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Students exclusively auditing classes
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have
already received their Doctor's degree
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution
is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]
AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self
-paced overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.
IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary,
data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories
and other relevant information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
•
•

College Navigator Website (including the College Affordability and Transparency Center)
IPEDS Data Center
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
•
•
•
•

IPEDS First Looks
IPEDS Table Library
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
The Digest of Education Statistics
The Condition of Education

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational offerings

Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions
and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined
as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for
students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is
occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult
basic education programs.
If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by
IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,
Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)
Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the
institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.
Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not
limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health
organizations.
Do not include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

coordinating systems
single institution owner
single institution corporate name
single institution governing board
consortia
associations
religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation
Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution
has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.
Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is
optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or
affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public
on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in
incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If
you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.
Award levels
Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are
identified based on duration and/or awards.
•

•

•
•
•

Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system
(e.g., semester or quarter).
◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1
but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally
be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.
▪
One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester
credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.
Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the
baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to
describe these levels.
Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to
make formal awards.
Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.
If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12
(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that
fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.

Calendar system
Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are
offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If
there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best
characterizes your institution.
If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS
Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure
to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS
Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.
•

•

•

Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)
◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall
reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into
the next year's Student Financial Aid component.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.
Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length
of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living
expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported
with the largest program.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.
Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,
please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this
calendar system for your institution.)
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment
Enrollment of full- and part-time students.
Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all
levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition
charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall
Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.
•
Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as
this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics
screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection.

Doctor's - professional practice
Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.
If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the
listed programs, indicate no.
GRS cohort question.
•
4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students
enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.
•
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time
degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must
report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation
New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior
academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.

Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/8/2012

Term

Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system)

The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and
4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education

Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,
writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high
school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the
postsecondary level.

Associate's degree

An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs

Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to
produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in
occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree

An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of
Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)
program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,
industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their
college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed
in 3 years.

Calendar system

The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate

A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort

A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred to
as clock hour.

Continuing professional
education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a
professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional
training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes
at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might
allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on
a certain date.

Control (of institution)

A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public
control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from
private sources (private control).

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree

An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official
recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program
(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational
programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the
program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,
September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other

A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a
doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including
the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and
execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some
examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,
as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings

Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or
continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or
avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that
are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort

The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation
Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or
certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or
occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the
first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is
considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

Full-year cohort

The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August
31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that
primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to
be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation

A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious
group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously
affiliated.

Less than 2-year
institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the
baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed
1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering

Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable
levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of
recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels
indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of
study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less
than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by
a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree

An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time
equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.
Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified
as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program

A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient
knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar
system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting
institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24
contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter
credits.

Post-master's certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit
hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the
doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate
certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit
hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,
but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 1 but less than 2
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at
least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock
hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 2 but less than 4
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in
at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or
clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
(less than 1 academic
year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or
designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter
credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than
wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution

An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,
usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected
or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other
than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Programs of at least 2
years but less than 4
years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,
including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than
3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4
years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,
diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other
baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those
programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2
years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6
quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal
award.

Public institution

An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or
appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar
system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12
weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an
additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar
system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with
about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar
system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:
General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I
report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.
Back to top
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake
in the fall?

It is important to report IC Header data correctly the first time, as changes to this component affect all of the
other surveys. If you made an error that impacts your ability to respond appropriately to other components,
call the Help Desk at 877-225-2568, and they will change the necessary data. For example, if you indicated
that you do not enroll any full-time, first-time students (thus no GRS or SFA surveys are generated), you
may correct your answer so that you can complete this survey.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header 2-yr institutions
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics Header Component
Applicable to 2-year institutions
Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.
Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to
determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Educational Offerings
Part B: Organization
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable
types from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•

Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of
the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then
completion of this survey is mandatory.
An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:
•
•
•

Recreational or avocational
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your
institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.
System Office
You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 
•
•

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution.
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls
the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your
organization.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
Top
Part B: Organization
Control/affiliation
On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided
(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).
An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.
Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).

Award Levels
You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels
for all credit programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - Other
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.
Calendar System
On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method
If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard
academic terms below:
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.
Program Reporting Method
If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit
hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based
on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.
Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)

Note: Selecting Other academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data
based on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.
If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further
assistance.

Student Enrollment
Applicable to public, 2-year institutions only

This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution
must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full
-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•

Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.
You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.
You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on
a Full-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or
occupational programs) students on a Full-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on
a Part-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or
occupational programs) students on a Part-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Undergraduate students, you must select at least one Award Level
at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the
current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.
If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data
(in the spring collection) for this cohort.

Student Enrollment
Applicable to private, 2-year institutions only
This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution
must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full
-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:
•
•

Students in academic or occupational programs
First-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.
You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.
You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Full-time basis, then you must also report
that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Full-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Part-time basis, then you must also report
that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Part-time basis.
If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the
current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.
If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time students
determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.

Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:
•

For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:
•
•

This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.
This institution was not in operation in 2009-2010.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment
survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

If you responded Yes to this question:

◦
◦

•

you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the spring collection; and
you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and
Levels screen.
If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes
to this question; and vice versa.

Top
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following
question:
•

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2011-12
academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:
•
•
•
•

Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
Doctor's professional

Top
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that
campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable
award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - Other
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.
Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:
•

Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?

Top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for 4-yr institutions
Part A - Educational Offerings
1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]
If your institution does not offer occupational, academic or continuing professional programs, you are not expected to
complete this or any other IPEDS survey.
 
   
Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
 
 
 
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
 
 
 
Continuing professional (postbaccalaureate only)
 
 
 
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
 
 
 
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
 
 
 
Secondary (high school)
 
 

Part A - System Office
2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure
Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the
institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from
system name.
If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this
question is blank.
 
No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same
way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
 
 

Part B - Organization - Control and Levels
1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?
Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the
IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If
you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.
   
Public - Select primary
 
 
and or secondary controls
below
 
 
Primary control
Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       
 
 
 
             Select One

Select One

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

 

                                                                        Select One
 
2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the
number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is
meant only to provide context.
The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We
expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.
    Award Level  
 
  BELOW THE BACCALAUREATE:
 
1
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)
 
        - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - less than 45 quarter credit hours
 
2
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic
 
  years)
      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
 
3
Associate's degree
 
 
 
4
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic
 
  years)
      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - 90 or more quarter credit hours
  BACCALAUREATE AND ABOVE:
 
5
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
 
 
 
6
Postbaccalaureate certificate
 
 
 
7
Master's degree
 
 
 
8
Post-master's certificate
 
 
 
17
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
 
 
 
18
Doctor's degree - professional practice
 
 
 
19
Doctor's degree - Other
 
 
 
12
Other (specify in box below)
 
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

Part B - Organization - Calendar System
Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics
student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the
spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.
If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.
Semester                                                                                                    
 
Quarter
 
Trimester
 
4-1-4 or similar plan
 
 
Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data
based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and
student charges data by PROGRAM.
 
Differs by program
 
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
 
 
Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method (Standard academic terms, other academic calendar)
Selecting the hybrid calendar type determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data based on a
FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and student charges
data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.
Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
 
 

Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment
4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?
Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data
(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.
Full-time
Part-time
Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

No
 

First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

 

Yes
 

 

 

 

No

No
 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

No
Yes
 
 
 
 
5. Does your institution enroll students in doctor's - professional practice programs?

 
   

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

No

Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

 

Yes
 

Yes

No

Yes

No
Yes
Do you enroll students in one of the following?
Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O.), Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.), Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.),
Law (J.D.)

   

No                                        
 

   

Yes
 
6. For Fall 2006, did your institution have any full-time first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in
programs at the baccalaureate level or below?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2006-07 cohort in the
spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates
for the cohort year requested.
If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2006-07 Enrollment survey, the
data will be preloaded below.
 
 
No
 
 
This institution did not enroll full-time, first 
time (undergraduate) students.
 
This institution did not offer programs at or
 
below the baccalaureate level.
 
This institution was not in operation in 2006 
07.
 
Yes
 
 
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2006-07 Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)
 

Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution
during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.
 
 
No
 
 
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.
 
 
Undergraduate
 
 
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
 
 
Doctor's professional
 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational Offerings and System
Part B - Organization
Part C - Operation
Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect
basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These
data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS
surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so
please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk
(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•

•

The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question
determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so
please respond accurately.
The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) covers data for the current year with two exceptions.
•
•

Cohort data in B6 refer to a past cohort and are used to set the Graduation Rates component (GR).
For new institutions, the question about prior year operation refers to the prior academic year (201112) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes
Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey
component items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website,
which is the college search tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes
for applicability and appropriateness before posting them on the College Navigator Website,
however, institutions should check grammar and spelling of their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey to ensure you are
reporting data for the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary
throughout the IC-H survey (e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group,
ensure that the guidelines below are met.
A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award,
including those enrolled in off-campus centers
High school students taking regular college courses for credit
Full-time students taking remedial courses IF the student is considered degree-seeking for the
purpose of student financial aid determination
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses for credit (e.g., online students)
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Students exclusively auditing classes
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have
already received their Doctor's degree
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution
is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]
AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self
-paced overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.
IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary,
data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories
and other relevant information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
•
•

College Navigator Website (including the College Affordability and Transparency Center)
IPEDS Data Center
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
•
•
•
•

IPEDS First Looks
IPEDS Table Library
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
The Digest of Education Statistics
The Condition of Education

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational offerings

Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions
and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined
as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for
students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is
occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult
basic education programs.
If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by
IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,
Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)
Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the
institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.
Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not
limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health
organizations.
Do not include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

coordinating systems
single institution owner
single institution corporate name
single institution governing board
consortia
associations
religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation
Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution
has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.
Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is
optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or
affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public
on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in
incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If
you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.
Award levels
Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are
identified based on duration and/or awards.
•

•

•
•
•

Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system
(e.g., semester or quarter).
◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1
but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally
be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.
▪
One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester
credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.
Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the
baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to
describe these levels.
Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to
make formal awards.
Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.
If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12
(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that
fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.

Calendar system
Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are
offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If
there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best
characterizes your institution.
If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS
Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure
to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS
Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.
•

•

•

Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)
◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall
reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into
the next year's Student Financial Aid component.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.
Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length
of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living
expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported
with the largest program.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.
Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,
please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this
calendar system for your institution.)
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment
Enrollment of full- and part-time students.
Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all
levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition
charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall
Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.
•
Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as
this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics
screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection.

Doctor's - professional practice
Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.
If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the
listed programs, indicate no.
GRS cohort question.
•
4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students
enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.
•
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time
degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must
report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation
New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior
academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.

Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/8/2012

Term

Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system)

The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and
4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education

Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,
writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high
school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the
postsecondary level.

Associate's degree

An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs

Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to
produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in
occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree

An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of
Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)
program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,
industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their
college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed
in 3 years.

Calendar system

The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate

A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort

A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred to
as clock hour.

Continuing professional
education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a
professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional
training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes
at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might
allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on
a certain date.

Control (of institution)

A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public
control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from
private sources (private control).

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree

An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official
recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program
(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational
programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the
program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,
September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other

A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a
doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including
the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and
execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some
examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,
as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings

Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or
continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or
avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that
are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort

The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation
Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or
certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or
occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the
first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is
considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

Full-year cohort

The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August
31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that
primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to
be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation

A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious
group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously
affiliated.

Less than 2-year
institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the
baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed
1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering

Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable
levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of
recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels
indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of
study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less
than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by
a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree

An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time
equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.
Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified
as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program

A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient
knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar
system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting
institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24
contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter
credits.

Post-master's certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit
hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the
doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate
certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit
hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,
but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 1 but less than 2
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at
least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock
hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 2 but less than 4
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in
at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or
clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
(less than 1 academic
year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or
designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter
credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than
wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution

An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,
usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected
or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other
than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Programs of at least 2
years but less than 4
years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,
including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than
3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4
years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,
diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other
baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those
programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2
years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6
quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal
award.

Public institution

An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or
appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar
system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12
weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an
additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar
system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with
about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar
system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:
General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I
report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.
Back to top
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake
in the fall?

It is important to report IC Header data correctly the first time, as changes to this component affect all of the
other surveys. If you made an error that impacts your ability to respond appropriately to other components,
call the Help Desk at 877-225-2568, and they will change the necessary data. For example, if you indicated
that you do not enroll any full-time, first-time students (thus no GRS or SFA surveys are generated), you
may correct your answer so that you can complete this survey.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header 4-yr institutions
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics Header Component
Applicable to 4-year institutions
Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.
Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to
determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office
Part B: Organization
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable
types from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
Continuing professional (postbaccalaureate only)
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of
the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:
•
•
•

Occupational
Academic
Continuing professional

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then
completion of this survey is mandatory.
An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:
•
•
•

Recreational or avocational
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your
institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.
 
System Office
You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 
•
•

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution.
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls
the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your
organization.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
Top
Part B: Organization
Control/affiliation
On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided
(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).

An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.
Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).

Award Levels
You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels
for all credit programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - Other
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.

Calendar System
On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method
If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard
academic terms below:
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR. 
Program Reporting Method
If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit
hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based
on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.
Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)

Note: Selecting Other academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data
based on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.

If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further
assistance.

Student Enrollment
This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution
must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full
-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:
•
•
•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
Graduate(not including doctor's professional)

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•

•

•
•
•
•

Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.
You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.
You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on
a Full-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or
occupational programs) students on a Full-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on
a Part-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or
occupational programs) students on a Part-time basis.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Undergraduate students, you must select at least one Award Level
at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the
current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.
If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection.
Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that
your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.
Doctor’s Professional Programs
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Control and Levels screen that they offer Doctor's degree professional practice
Next, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:
•

Does your institution enroll students in doctor's professional programs?

If yes, respond with a Yes or No as to whether your institution enrolls students in any of the following Doctor’s Professional
Programs:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
Medicine (M.D.)
Optometry (O.D.)
Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)
Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Law (J.D.)

Note: Your response here will determine whether you will report selected Doctor’s - Professional Practice tuitions in the Institutional
Characteristics survey.

Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:
•

For Fall 2006, did your institution have any full-time first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in
programs at the baccalaureate level or below?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:
•
•
•

This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.
This institution did not offer programs at or below the baccalaureate level.
This institution was not in operation in 2006-07.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2006-07 Fall Enrollment
survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

If you responded Yes to this question:

◦
◦

•

you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2006-07 cohort in the spring collection; and
you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and
Levels screen.
If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes
to this question; and vice versa.

Top
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following
question:
•

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2011-12
academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:
•
•
•

Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
Doctor's professional

Top
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that
campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable
award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - Other
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.
Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:
•

Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?

Top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for less than 2-year institutions
Part A - Educational Offerings
1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]
If your institution does not offer occupational or academic programs, you are not expected to complete this or any other
IPEDS survey.
 
   
Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
 
 
 
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
 
 
 
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
 
 
 
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
 
 
 
Secondary (high school)
 
 

Part A - System Office
2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure
Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the
institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from
system name.
If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this
question is blank.
 
No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
 
  governs, or controls the institution.
 
If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,
governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same
way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
 
 

Part B - Organization - Control and Levels
1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?
Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the
IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If
you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.
   
Public - Select primary
 
 
and or secondary controls
below
 
 
Primary control
Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       
 
 
 
             Select One

Select One

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

 

                                                                        Select One
 
2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]
When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the
number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is meant
only to provide context.
The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We
expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.
  Award Level  
 
 
1
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)
 
        - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - less than 45 quarter credit hours
 
2
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic
 
  years)
      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
 
3
Associate's degree
 
 
 
4
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic
 
  years)
      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
      - 90 or more quarter credit hours
 
12
Other (specify in box below)
 
 
You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
 

Part B - Organization - Calendar System
Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics
student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the
spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.
If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data
based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and
student charges data by PROGRAM.
 
Differs by program
 
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
 
 
Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.
Semester                                                                                                    
 
Quarter
 
Trimester
 
4-1-4 or similar plan
 
 

Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment
4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?
Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data
(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.
Full-time
Part-time
Students in academic or occupational programs

No
 

First-time students

 

Yes
 

 

No
 

 

Yes
No
 
 
 
 
6. For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

Yes
 

 

 

 

No

Yes

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the
spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates
for the cohort year requested. If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students on the 2009-10
Fall Enrollment survey, the data will be preloaded below.
 
No
 
 
This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time
 
degree/certificate-seeking students.
 
This institution was not in operation in 2009-10.
 
 
Yes
 
 
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)
 

Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution
during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.
 
 
No
 
 
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.
 
 
Undergraduate
 
 
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
 

Prepared by
 
This survey component was prepared by:
 
Keyholder
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
Email:
 
 
How long did it take to prepare this survey component?

(SFA,HR,F) Contact
 

 

 

 
 
 

hours
 

 

Other

 

minutes  
 

2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header
Context Boxes
Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational Offerings and System
Part B - Organization
Part C - Operation
Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey
The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect
basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These
data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS
surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so
please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk
(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.
•

•

The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question
determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so
please respond accurately.
The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

General instructions
Reporting period covered
Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) covers data for the current year with two exceptions.
•
•

Cohort data in B6 refer to a past cohort and are used to set the Graduation Rates component (GR).
For new institutions, the question about prior year operation refers to the prior academic year (201112) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Context Boxes
Context boxes are provided to allow institutions to provide more information regarding survey
component items. Note that some context boxes are posted on the College Navigator Website,
which is the college search tool offered by NCES. NCES will review entries in these context boxes
for applicability and appropriateness before posting them on the College Navigator Website,
however, institutions should check grammar and spelling of their entries.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Coverage
Carefully read each question in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey to ensure you are
reporting data for the appropriate students. The student groups for which data are collected vary
throughout the IC-H survey (e.g., undergraduate and graduate). In general, for each group,
ensure that the guidelines below are met.
A. Who to include
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled in courses creditable toward a diploma, certificate, degree, or other formal award,
including those enrolled in off-campus centers
High school students taking regular college courses for credit
Full-time students taking remedial courses IF the student is considered degree-seeking for the
purpose of student financial aid determination
Students from overseas enrolled in U.S. courses for credit (e.g., online students)
Graduate students enrolled for thesis credits, even when zero credits are awarded, as these students
are still enrolled and seeking their degree

B. Who NOT to include
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in courses not creditable toward a formal award
Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Students exclusively auditing classes
Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have
already received their Doctor's degree
Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution
is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal
Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help
IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk
Phone: 1-877-225-2568
Email: [email protected]
AIR Website
You can also consult the AIR website that contains several tutorials on IPEDS data collection, a self
-paced overview of IPEDS tools and other valuable resources.
IPEDS Resources Page
In addition, the IPEDS Resources Page contains frequently asked questions, a link to the glossary,
data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the new race/ethnicity categories
and other relevant information.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Where the Data Will Appear
Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:
•
•
•

College Navigator Website (including the College Affordability and Transparency Center)
IPEDS Data Center
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:
•
•
•
•
•

IPEDS First Looks
IPEDS Table Library
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
The Digest of Education Statistics
The Condition of Education

Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Reporting Directions
Part A - Educational offerings

Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions
and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined
as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for
students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is
occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult
basic education programs.
If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by
IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,
Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)
Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the
institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.
Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not
limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health
organizations.
Do not include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

coordinating systems
single institution owner
single institution corporate name
single institution governing board
consortia
associations
religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation
Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution
has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.
Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is
optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact
the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or
affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public
on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in
incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If
you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.
Award levels
Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are
identified based on duration and/or awards.
•

•

•
•
•

Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system
(e.g., semester or quarter).
◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1
but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally
be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.
▪
One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester
credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.
Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the
baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to
describe these levels.
Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to
make formal awards.
Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.
If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12
(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that
fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.

Calendar system
Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are
offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If
there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best
characterizes your institution.
If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS
Help Desk at 877.225.2568.
Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure
to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS
Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.
•

•

•

Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)
◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall
reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into
the next year's Student Financial Aid component.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.
Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length
of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living
expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported
with the largest program.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.
Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,
please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this
calendar system for your institution.)
◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.
◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between
August 1 and October 31.
◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.
◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment
Enrollment of full- and part-time students.
Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all
levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.
Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition
charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall
Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.
•
Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as
this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics
screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection.

Doctor's - professional practice
Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.
If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the
listed programs, indicate no.
GRS cohort question.
•
4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students
enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.
•
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time
degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must
report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation
New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior
academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.

Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Image
description.
Top of Page
End
of image
description.

Glossary

date: 8/8/2012

Term

Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system)

The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and
4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

Academic program

An instructional program leading toward an associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctor's, or firstprofessional degree or resulting in credits that can be applied to one of these degrees.

Academic year

The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or
trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education

Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,
writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high
school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the
postsecondary level.

Associate's degree

An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs

Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to
produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in
occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree

An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of
Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)
program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,
industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their
college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed
in 3 years.

Calendar system

The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate

A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort

A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

Contact hour

A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction given to students. Also referred to
as clock hour.

Continuing professional
education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a
professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional
training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes
at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might
allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on
a certain date.

Control (of institution)

A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public
control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from
private sources (private control).

Credit hour

A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over
the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the
requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree

An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official
recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program
(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational
programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the
program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,
September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other

A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a
doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills
for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded
after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and
professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these
degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic
Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including
the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and
execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some
examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,
as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings

Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or
continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or
avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that
are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort

The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation
Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or
certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.

First-time student
(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any
institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or
occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the
first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college
credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,
or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester
credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is
considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the
institution.

Full-year cohort

The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August
31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that
primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to
be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate
level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation

A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious
group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously
affiliated.

Less than 2-year
institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the
baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed
1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering

Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable
levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of
recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels
indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of
study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less
than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by
a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree

An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time
equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.
Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified
as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program

A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient
knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar
system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting
institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student

Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24
contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter
credits.

Post-master's certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit
hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the
doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate
certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit
hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,
but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 1 but less than 2
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at
least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock
hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma (at
least 2 but less than 4
academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,
or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in
at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or
clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma
(less than 1 academic
year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level
(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or
designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter
credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than
wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution

An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,
usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected
or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit
institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other
than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program

A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational
objectives as described by the institution.

Programs of at least 2
years but less than 4
years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,
including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than
3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4
years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,
diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other
baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those
programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2
years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6
quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal
award.

Public institution

An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or
appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar
system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12
weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an
additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar
system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with
about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar
system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate

A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a
vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q.

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header
Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:
General
1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I
report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.
Back to top
2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake
in the fall?

It is important to report IC Header data correctly the first time, as changes to this component affect all of the
other surveys. If you made an error that impacts your ability to respond appropriately to other components,
call the Help Desk at 877-225-2568, and they will change the necessary data. For example, if you indicated
that you do not enroll any full-time, first-time students (thus no GRS or SFA surveys are generated), you
may correct your answer so that you can complete this survey.
Back to top

2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/8/2012

IC Header less than 2-yr institutions
Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics Header Component
Applicable to less-than-2-year institutions
Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.
Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to
determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.
All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.
Part A: Educational Offerings
Part B: Organization
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable
types from the following options:
•
•
•
•
•

Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award
Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of
the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then
completion of this survey is mandatory.
An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:
•
•
•

Recreational or avocational
Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency
Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your
institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.
System Office
You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 
•
•

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution.
Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls
the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your
organization.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
Top
Part B: Organization
Control/affiliation
On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided
(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).
An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.
Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).

Award Levels
You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.
Available responses include multiple options below the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels for all credit
programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.
Calendar System
On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.
Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.
You may choose from the following options:
Program Reporting Method
If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit
hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based
on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.
Academic Year Reporting Method
If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard
academic terms below:
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide
Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR. Selecting Other
academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based on a FULL
YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.
If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further
assistance.

Student Enrollment
This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution
must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.
For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full
-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:
•
•

Students in academic or occupational programs
First-time students

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.
You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Full-time basis, then you must also report
that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Full-time basis.

•
•
•

If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Part-time basis, then you must also report
that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Part-time basis.
If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the
current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.
If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and
for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time students
determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.

Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:
•

For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:
•
•

This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.
This institution was not in operation in 2009-2010.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment
survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•

•

If you responded Yes to this question:
◦ you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the spring collection; and
◦ you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and
Levels screen.
If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes
to this question; and vice versa.

Top
Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following
question:
•

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2010-11?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2010-11
academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:
•
•

Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

Top
Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses
For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that
campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable
award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.
You may choose from the following options:
Below the Baccalaureate:
•

•

•
•

Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year
◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or
◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years
◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or
◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours
Associate's degree
Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years
◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or
◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or
◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:
•
•
•
•

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate

•
•
•
•

Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - Other
Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.
If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to
confirm this new award level.
Full-time, first-time question
In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:
•

Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?

Top


File Typeapplication/pdf
File Modified2013-08-01
File Created2013-02-15

© 2024 OMB.report | Privacy Policy