Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2013-2016

THIS SURVEY HAS NO NEW CHANGES AND IS NOT
SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE FULL CONTENT OF THIS
DOCUMENT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ON
DEC 2013. THIS COLLECTION IS CURRENTLY OPEN.

Institutional Characteristics
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
(IPEDS)

This IPEDS Institutional Characteristics data collection instrument is currently
being used for the 2015-16 data collection.

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

IC Header for public 2-year degree-granting institutions
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Header Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics Header survey component (IC Header). This survey was introduced to
collect data that are key to reporting throughout the IPEDS data collection, and must be completed and locked before
any other survey can be started.
Some IC Header questions may require nothing more than a confirmation, if nothing has changed. Please make
changes as necessary, and complete items that do need a response (enrollment questions).
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to provide NCES with accurate data about the institution. Please
never hesitate to call the IPEDS Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568 and ask for help to make sure that you are reporting
correctly!
Changes to This Year's IC Header Component:
•
The multi-institution or multi-campus organization must now be selected from a list of organizations.
•
The Open Admission screening question has been moved here from IC. The question has not changed.
•
A new screening question concerning total Academic Libraries expenses has been added for degreegranting institutions only.
Because of the importance of the IC Header data in determining the screens you will receive in other surveys, be sure
to report correctly, and to contact the IPEDS Help Desk if you have ANY questions about what you need to report.
The IC Header data affect other survey components in the following ways:
•
The Educational Offerings question verifies your institution's inclusion in IPEDS.
•
The Control and Levels page is key to all survey components, especially to Finance (F) and
Graduation Rates (GR). Additionally, this is important information for students, impacts many
federal reports, and is used in placing institutions in appropriate net price groupings.
•
Calendar system selection impacts student charges data reported in Institutional
Characteristics (IC), Fall Enrollment (EF) data, GR data, and Student Financial Aid (SFA) data
related to the net price calculation.
•
Enrollment levels impact student charges in IC and enrollment categories in the EF survey
component.
•
The Open Admission question determines whether the Admissions component will be required
in the Winter.
•
The Academic Libraries expenses question determines whether the Academic Libraries
component will be required in the Spring. This question is asked of degree-granting institutions
only.
•
The operations question for new institutions determines reporting of 12-month enrollment
(E12).
To download survey materials package for this component: Survey Materials

date: 8/4/2015

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 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.
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs. Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.
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 winter, and Graduation Rates data in the
winter. 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 Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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 Student Financial Aid and Graduation
Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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)
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

6. For academic year 2012-13, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in the
winter 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 2012-13
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 2012-13.
Yes
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)

Part B - Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization 
7. Multi-institution or multi-campus organization
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.
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, select the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution after clicking on 'Select System' below.
Select System

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Open Admission 
2. 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 required to report Admissions component
regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
No
Yes
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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 - Other Survey Screening Questions - Library Expenses 
Were your annual total library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 greater than zero?
No

Yes

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Levels of Enrollment Offered 
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2014-15?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be able to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution during
2014-15 and to report 12-month enrollment during the fall collection.
No
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.
Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

U.S. Department of Education
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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header Full Instructions for public 2-yr degree-granting institutions

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
Part B - Organization
Control and Award Levels
Calendar System
Enrollment Levels and GRS cohort question
Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
Open Admission
Library Expenses
Level of Enrollment

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 are 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.
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Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period:
•
•

Open admission policy question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.
Library expenses question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.

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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 and is used to
determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment (E12) component.

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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. Inappropriate or
repetitive contexts will be deleted.
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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 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

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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.
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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

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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.
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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.

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs.  Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.

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 information on Institutional Characteristics screens in Part D
and Student Financial Aid information during the Winter 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 the academic year indicated on the screen. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Winter.
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time degree/certificateseeking students enrolled in the academic year indicated on the screen. If you check Yes, you must report
Graduation Rates data in the Winter.

Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization
If applicable, select from the provided list the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. If you do not see your multi-institution or multi-organization listed, please contact the Help
Desk.
A multi-institution or multi-campus 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:
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coordinating systems
single institution owner
single institution corporate name
single institution governing board
consortia
associations
religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
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.

Library Expenses
Indicate whether the annual total library expenses at your institution were greater than zero for Fiscal Year 2015.
Fiscal Year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that corresponds to your institution's fiscal year that
ends before October 1, 2015. Expenses include funds expended by the library (regardless of when received) from its
regular budget and from all other known sources; e.g., research grants, special projects, gifts and endowments, and
fees for services.  Those libraries in consortia or those that share all their resources with another institution, please
report whether the total annual library expenses at YOUR institution were greater than zero in Fiscal Year 2015. 
If the expenses are equal to 0, you will not be asked to complete the Academic Libraries (AL) component in the
Spring.

Level of Enrollment
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.
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Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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Glossary
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 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 college-level 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 (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 degreeresearch/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. For the Outcome Measures component, all
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who enter an institution during the fall term of a given year must
be placed in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time; part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time,
non-first-time.

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) and Outcome Measures (OM) 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. For OM component, undergraduate students must enter in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time;
part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time, non-first-time.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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 "firstprofessional", 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 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 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. 

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they
are considered subbacalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate
students.

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.

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.

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.

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 not-for-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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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?
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
4) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

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.
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3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may requie a bachelor's degree for admission, they are considered
subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate students.
Back to top
4) 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 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.
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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header for 2-year institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
IC 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Educational Offerings
B: Organization
C: Other Survey Screening Questions
D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you must answer the following question. Responses to this question determine whether or not your institution
is part of the IPEDS universe.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ 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)

An institution is part of the IPEDS universe if it offers at least one of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

Note: 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)

Note: 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 IPEDS Help Desk.
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Part B: Organization
Control and Levels
On this screen, you must provide information about your institution's control or affiliation and any award levels offered by
your institution.

Control or Affiliation
First, you must indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public (If this option is selected, then you must identify the Primary control from the drop-down menu provided. An
optional Secondary control may also be selected.)
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation) (If this option is selected, then you must identify the religious affiliation
from the drop-down menu provided.)

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

If a Secondary control is specified for Public, then this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Award Levels
Second, you must select the award levels for all credit programs offered at your institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, a fatal error will occur.
If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, you must enter a description in the context box
provided.

Calendar System
On this screen, you must report the predominant calendar system at your institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics, Graduation Rates, and Student
Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan
Note: Selecting one of these options 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 (Other calendar system)
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
Note: Selecting on of these options 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 (Standard academic terms, Other calendar system)
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Note: Selecting this option 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.

Student Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information about enrollment at your institution.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Public institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting data in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment components. Additionally,
your response to the Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students question determines how
your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Undergraduate students, then you should not select
any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Part-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, then you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution does not enroll Graduate students, then you should not select any Award Levels
above the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Private institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges in the Institutional Characteristics component, and for
reporting Fall Enrollment data during the spring collection. Additionally, your response to the Full-time First-time students
question determines how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial
Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

Students in academic or occupational programs
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time students
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs,
then you should not select any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll Full-time and/or Part-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Part-time Students in academic or occupational programs.

GR Cohort Question
Additionally, you must answer the following question. The number of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduates reported in the 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) will be preloaded by the system for your
reference.
For academic year 2012-13, did your institution have any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in
programs at the baccalaureate level or below?
•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you must choose one 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 2012-13.
Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in
the winter collection.)

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

If you indicated that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students in the 'Enrollment Types' question, then you must select Yes in response to this question.
If you selected Yes in response to this question, then you are expected to indicate that you offer award levels at or
below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to select Yes in
response to this question.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is 0 or blank, then you are expected to select No in
response to this question.

System
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that
owns, governs, or controls the institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of 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 this option is selected, then you must specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus
organization that owns, governs, or controls the institution using the search function provided.)

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Part C: Other Survey Screening Questions
Library Expenses
Applicable to degree-granting institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must select No or Yes to indicate whether your library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 were greater than 0.
Fiscal year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that ends before October 1, 2015, that corresponds to the
institution's fiscal year.
If Yes is selected, then the Academic Libraries survey will be required during the Spring collection.

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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•

No (If this option is selected, then the Admissions survey will be required during the Winter collection.)
Yes

Operation
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution was in operation during the academic year 2014-15.
•
•

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No
Yes (If this option is selected, check all levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.)
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
For each of your institution's branch campuses (listed in the Campus List), you must select the award levels offered at that
campus.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
Additionally, you must answer the following question for each of your institution's branch campuses. Your response to this
question will determine whether your institution will be required to report cost data for this campus in the Institutional
Characteristics component.
•

Does your institution enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?
◦ No
◦ Yes

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

IC Header for public 2-year non-degree-granting institutions
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Header Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics Header survey component (IC Header). This survey was introduced to
collect data that are key to reporting throughout the IPEDS data collection, and must be completed and locked before
any other survey can be started.
Some IC Header questions may require nothing more than a confirmation, if nothing has changed. Please make
changes as necessary, and complete items that do need a response (enrollment questions).
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to provide NCES with accurate data about the institution. Please
never hesitate to call the IPEDS Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568 and ask for help to make sure that you are reporting
correctly!
Changes to This Year's IC Header Component:
•
The multi-institution or multi-campus organization must now be selected from a list of organizations.
•
The Open Admission screening question has been moved here from IC. The question has not changed.
•
A new screening question concerning total Academic Libraries expenses has been added for degreegranting institutions only.
Because of the importance of the IC Header data in determining the screens you will receive in other surveys, be sure
to report correctly, and to contact the IPEDS Help Desk if you have ANY questions about what you need to report.
The IC Header data affect other survey components in the following ways:
•
The Educational Offerings question verifies your institution's inclusion in IPEDS.
•
The Control and Levels page is key to all survey components, especially to Finance (F) and
Graduation Rates (GR). Additionally, this is important information for students, impacts many
federal reports, and is used in placing institutions in appropriate net price groupings.
•
Calendar system selection impacts student charges data reported in Institutional
Characteristics (IC), Fall Enrollment (EF) data, GR data, and Student Financial Aid (SFA) data
related to the net price calculation.
•
Enrollment levels impact student charges in IC and enrollment categories in the EF survey
component.
•
The Open Admission question determines whether the Admissions component will be required
in the Winter.
•
The Academic Libraries expenses question determines whether the Academic Libraries
component will be required in the Spring. This question is asked of degree-granting institutions
only.
•
The operations question for new institutions determines reporting of 12-month enrollment
(E12).
To download survey materials package for this component: Survey Materials

date: 8/4/2015

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 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.
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs. Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.
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 winter, and Graduation Rates data in the
winter. 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 Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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 Student Financial Aid and Graduation
Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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)
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

6. For academic year 2012-13, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in the
winter 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 2012-13
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 2012-13.
Yes
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)

Part B - Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization 
7. Multi-institution or multi-campus organization
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.
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, select the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution after clicking on 'Select System' below.
Select System

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Open Admission 
2. 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 required to report Admissions component
regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
No
Yes
Image
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context
notes
will
be on
posted
the College
Navigator.
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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 - Other Survey Screening Questions - Levels of Enrollment Offered 
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2014-15?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be able to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution during
2014-15 and to report 12-month enrollment during the fall collection.
No
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.
Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header Full Instructions for public 2-yr nondegree-granting institutions

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
Part B - Organization
Control and Award Levels
Calendar System
Enrollment Levels and GRS cohort question
Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
Open Admission
Level of Enrollment

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 are 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.
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Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period:
•

Open admission policy question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.

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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 and is used to
determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment (E12) component.

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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. Inappropriate or
repetitive contexts will be deleted.
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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 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

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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.
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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

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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.
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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.

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs.  Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.

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 information on Institutional Characteristics screens in Part D
and Student Financial Aid information during the Winter 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 the academic year indicated on the screen. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Winter.
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time degree/certificateseeking students enrolled in the academic year indicated on the screen. If you check Yes, you must report
Graduation Rates data in the Winter.

Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization
If applicable, select from the provided list the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. If you do not see your multi-institution or multi-organization listed, please contact the Help
Desk.
A multi-institution or multi-campus 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)

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Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
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.

Level of Enrollment
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.
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Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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Glossary
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 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 college-level 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 (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 degreeresearch/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. For the Outcome Measures component, all
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who enter an institution during the fall term of a given year must
be placed in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time; part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time,
non-first-time.

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) and Outcome Measures (OM) 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. For OM component, undergraduate students must enter in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time;
part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time, non-first-time.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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 "firstprofessional", 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 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 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. 

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they
are considered subbacalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate
students.

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.

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.

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.

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 not-for-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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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?
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
4) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

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
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may requie a bachelor's degree for admission, they are considered
subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate students.
Back to top
4) 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 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header for 2-year institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
IC 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Educational Offerings
B: Organization
C: Other Survey Screening Questions
D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you must answer the following question. Responses to this question determine whether or not your institution
is part of the IPEDS universe.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ 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)

An institution is part of the IPEDS universe if it offers at least one of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

Note: 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)

Note: 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 IPEDS Help Desk.
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Part B: Organization
Control and Levels
On this screen, you must provide information about your institution's control or affiliation and any award levels offered by
your institution.

Control or Affiliation
First, you must indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public (If this option is selected, then you must identify the Primary control from the drop-down menu provided. An
optional Secondary control may also be selected.)
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation) (If this option is selected, then you must identify the religious affiliation
from the drop-down menu provided.)

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

If a Secondary control is specified for Public, then this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Award Levels
Second, you must select the award levels for all credit programs offered at your institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, a fatal error will occur.
If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, you must enter a description in the context box
provided.

Calendar System
On this screen, you must report the predominant calendar system at your institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics, Graduation Rates, and Student
Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan
Note: Selecting one of these options 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 (Other calendar system)
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
Note: Selecting on of these options 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 (Standard academic terms, Other calendar system)
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Note: Selecting this option 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.

Student Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information about enrollment at your institution.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Public institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting data in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment components. Additionally,
your response to the Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students question determines how
your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Undergraduate students, then you should not select
any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Part-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, then you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution does not enroll Graduate students, then you should not select any Award Levels
above the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Private institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges in the Institutional Characteristics component, and for
reporting Fall Enrollment data during the spring collection. Additionally, your response to the Full-time First-time students
question determines how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial
Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

Students in academic or occupational programs
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time students
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs,
then you should not select any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll Full-time and/or Part-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Part-time Students in academic or occupational programs.

GR Cohort Question
Additionally, you must answer the following question. The number of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduates reported in the 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) will be preloaded by the system for your
reference.
For academic year 2012-13, did your institution have any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in
programs at the baccalaureate level or below?
•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you must choose one 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 2012-13.
Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in
the winter collection.)

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

If you indicated that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students in the 'Enrollment Types' question, then you must select Yes in response to this question.
If you selected Yes in response to this question, then you are expected to indicate that you offer award levels at or
below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to select Yes in
response to this question.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is 0 or blank, then you are expected to select No in
response to this question.

System
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that
owns, governs, or controls the institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of 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 this option is selected, then you must specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus
organization that owns, governs, or controls the institution using the search function provided.)

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Part C: Other Survey Screening Questions
Library Expenses
Applicable to degree-granting institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must select No or Yes to indicate whether your library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 were greater than 0.
Fiscal year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that ends before October 1, 2015, that corresponds to the
institution's fiscal year.
If Yes is selected, then the Academic Libraries survey will be required during the Spring collection.

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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•

No (If this option is selected, then the Admissions survey will be required during the Winter collection.)
Yes

Operation
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution was in operation during the academic year 2014-15.
•
•

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No
Yes (If this option is selected, check all levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.)
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
For each of your institution's branch campuses (listed in the Campus List), you must select the award levels offered at that
campus.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
Additionally, you must answer the following question for each of your institution's branch campuses. Your response to this
question will determine whether your institution will be required to report cost data for this campus in the Institutional
Characteristics component.
•

Does your institution enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?
◦ No
◦ Yes

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IPEDS Help Desk
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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

IC Header for private 2-year degree-granting institutions
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Header Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics Header survey component (IC Header). This survey was introduced to
collect data that are key to reporting throughout the IPEDS data collection, and must be completed and locked before
any other survey can be started.
Some IC Header questions may require nothing more than a confirmation, if nothing has changed. Please make
changes as necessary, and complete items that do need a response (enrollment questions).
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to provide NCES with accurate data about the institution. Please
never hesitate to call the IPEDS Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568 and ask for help to make sure that you are reporting
correctly!
Changes to This Year's IC Header Component:
•
The multi-institution or multi-campus organization must now be selected from a list of organizations.
•
The Open Admission screening question has been moved here from IC. The question has not changed.
•
A new screening question concerning total Academic Libraries expenses has been added for degreegranting institutions only.
Because of the importance of the IC Header data in determining the screens you will receive in other surveys, be sure
to report correctly, and to contact the IPEDS Help Desk if you have ANY questions about what you need to report.
The IC Header data affect other survey components in the following ways:
•
The Educational Offerings question verifies your institution's inclusion in IPEDS.
•
The Control and Levels page is key to all survey components, especially to Finance (F) and
Graduation Rates (GR). Additionally, this is important information for students, impacts many
federal reports, and is used in placing institutions in appropriate net price groupings.
•
Calendar system selection impacts student charges data reported in Institutional
Characteristics (IC), Fall Enrollment (EF) data, GR data, and Student Financial Aid (SFA) data
related to the net price calculation.
•
Enrollment levels impact student charges in IC and enrollment categories in the EF survey
component.
•
The Open Admission question determines whether the Admissions component will be required
in the Winter.
•
The Academic Libraries expenses question determines whether the Academic Libraries
component will be required in the Spring. This question is asked of degree-granting institutions
only.
•
The operations question for new institutions determines reporting of 12-month enrollment
(E12).
To download survey materials package for this component: Survey Materials

date: 8/4/2015

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 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.
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs. Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.
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 winter, and Graduation Rates data in the
winter. 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 Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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 Student Financial Aid and Graduation
Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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
First-time students

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

6. For academic year 2012-13, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in the
winter 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 2012-13
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 2012-13.
Yes
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)

Part B - Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization 
7. Multi-institution or multi-campus organization
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.
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, select the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution after clicking on 'Select System' below.
Select System

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Open Admission 
2. 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 required to report Admissions component
regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
No
Yes
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context
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will
be on
posted
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Navigator.
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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 - Other Survey Screening Questions - Library Expenses 
Were your annual total library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 greater than zero?
No

Yes

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Levels of Enrollment Offered 
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2014-15?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be able to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution during
2014-15 and to report 12-month enrollment during the fall collection.
No
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.
Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

U.S. Department of Education
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Use of Cookies
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Section 508 Compliance
NCES Privacy Policy

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header Full Instructions for private 2-yr degree-granting institutions

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
Part B - Organization
Control and Award Levels
Calendar System
Enrollment Levels and GRS cohort question
Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
Open Admission
Library Expenses
Level of Enrollment

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 are 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.
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Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period:
•
•

Open admission policy question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.
Library expenses question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.

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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 and is used to
determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment (E12) component.

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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. Inappropriate or
repetitive contexts will be deleted.

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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 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

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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.
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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

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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.
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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.

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs.  Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.

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 information on Institutional Characteristics screens in Part D
and Student Financial Aid information during the Winter 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 the academic year indicated on the screen. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Winter.
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time degree/certificateseeking students enrolled in the academic year indicated on the screen. If you check Yes, you must report
Graduation Rates data in the Winter.

Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization
If applicable, select from the provided list the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. If you do not see your multi-institution or multi-organization listed, please contact the Help
Desk.
A multi-institution or multi-campus 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)

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Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
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.

Library Expenses
Indicate whether the annual total library expenses at your institution were greater than zero for Fiscal Year 2015.
Fiscal Year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that corresponds to your institution's fiscal year that
ends before October 1, 2015. Expenses include funds expended by the library (regardless of when received) from its
regular budget and from all other known sources; e.g., research grants, special projects, gifts and endowments, and
fees for services.  Those libraries in consortia or those that share all their resources with another institution, please
report whether the total annual library expenses at YOUR institution were greater than zero in Fiscal Year 2015. 
If the expenses are equal to 0, you will not be asked to complete the Academic Libraries (AL) component in the
Spring.

Level of Enrollment
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.
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Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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Glossary
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 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 college-level 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 (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 degreeresearch/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. For the Outcome Measures component, all
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who enter an institution during the fall term of a given year must
be placed in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time; part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time,
non-first-time.

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) and Outcome Measures (OM) 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. For OM component, undergraduate students must enter in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time;
part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time, non-first-time.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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 "firstprofessional", 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 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 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. 

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they
are considered subbacalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate
students.

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.

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.

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.

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 not-for-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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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?
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
4) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

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
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may requie a bachelor's degree for admission, they are considered
subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate students.
Back to top
4) 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 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header for 2-year institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
IC 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Educational Offerings
B: Organization
C: Other Survey Screening Questions
D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you must answer the following question. Responses to this question determine whether or not your institution
is part of the IPEDS universe.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ 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)

An institution is part of the IPEDS universe if it offers at least one of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

Note: 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)

Note: 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 IPEDS Help Desk.
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Part B: Organization
Control and Levels
On this screen, you must provide information about your institution's control or affiliation and any award levels offered by
your institution.

Control or Affiliation
First, you must indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public (If this option is selected, then you must identify the Primary control from the drop-down menu provided. An
optional Secondary control may also be selected.)
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation) (If this option is selected, then you must identify the religious affiliation
from the drop-down menu provided.)

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

If a Secondary control is specified for Public, then this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Award Levels
Second, you must select the award levels for all credit programs offered at your institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, a fatal error will occur.
If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, you must enter a description in the context box
provided.

Calendar System
On this screen, you must report the predominant calendar system at your institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics, Graduation Rates, and Student
Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan
Note: Selecting one of these options 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 (Other calendar system)
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
Note: Selecting on of these options 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 (Standard academic terms, Other calendar system)
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Note: Selecting this option 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.

Student Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information about enrollment at your institution.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Public institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting data in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment components. Additionally,
your response to the Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students question determines how
your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Undergraduate students, then you should not select
any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Part-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, then you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution does not enroll Graduate students, then you should not select any Award Levels
above the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Private institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges in the Institutional Characteristics component, and for
reporting Fall Enrollment data during the spring collection. Additionally, your response to the Full-time First-time students
question determines how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial
Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

Students in academic or occupational programs
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time students
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs,
then you should not select any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll Full-time and/or Part-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Part-time Students in academic or occupational programs.

GR Cohort Question
Additionally, you must answer the following question. The number of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduates reported in the 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) will be preloaded by the system for your
reference.
For academic year 2012-13, did your institution have any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in
programs at the baccalaureate level or below?
•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you must choose one 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 2012-13.
Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in
the winter collection.)

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

If you indicated that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students in the 'Enrollment Types' question, then you must select Yes in response to this question.
If you selected Yes in response to this question, then you are expected to indicate that you offer award levels at or
below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to select Yes in
response to this question.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is 0 or blank, then you are expected to select No in
response to this question.

System
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that
owns, governs, or controls the institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of 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 this option is selected, then you must specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus
organization that owns, governs, or controls the institution using the search function provided.)

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Part C: Other Survey Screening Questions
Library Expenses
Applicable to degree-granting institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must select No or Yes to indicate whether your library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 were greater than 0.
Fiscal year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that ends before October 1, 2015, that corresponds to the
institution's fiscal year.
If Yes is selected, then the Academic Libraries survey will be required during the Spring collection.

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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•

No (If this option is selected, then the Admissions survey will be required during the Winter collection.)
Yes

Operation
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution was in operation during the academic year 2014-15.
•
•

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No
Yes (If this option is selected, check all levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.)
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
For each of your institution's branch campuses (listed in the Campus List), you must select the award levels offered at that
campus.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
Additionally, you must answer the following question for each of your institution's branch campuses. Your response to this
question will determine whether your institution will be required to report cost data for this campus in the Institutional
Characteristics component.
•

Does your institution enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?
◦ No
◦ Yes

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

IC Header for 4-year degree-granting institutions
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Header Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics Header survey component (IC Header). This survey was introduced to
collect data that are key to reporting throughout the IPEDS data collection, and must be completed and locked before
any other survey can be started.
Some IC Header questions may require nothing more than a confirmation, if nothing has changed. Please make
changes as necessary, and complete items that do need a response (enrollment questions).
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to provide NCES with accurate data about the institution. Please
never hesitate to call the IPEDS Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568 and ask for help to make sure that you are reporting
correctly!
Changes to This Year's IC Header Component:
•
The multi-institution or multi-campus organization must now be selected from a list of organizations.
•
The Open Admission screening question has been moved here from IC. The question has not changed.
•
A new screening question concerning total Academic Libraries expenses has been added for degreegranting institutions only.
Because of the importance of the IC Header data in determining the screens you will receive in other surveys, be sure
to report correctly, and to contact the IPEDS Help Desk if you have ANY questions about what you need to report.
The IC Header data affect other survey components in the following ways:
•
The Educational Offerings question verifies your institution's inclusion in IPEDS.
•
The Control and Levels page is key to all survey components, especially to Finance (F) and
Graduation Rates (GR). Additionally, this is important information for students, impacts many
federal reports, and is used in placing institutions in appropriate net price groupings.
•
Calendar system selection impacts student charges data reported in Institutional
Characteristics (IC), Fall Enrollment (EF) data, GR data, and Student Financial Aid (SFA) data
related to the net price calculation.
•
Enrollment levels impact student charges in IC and enrollment categories in the EF survey
component.
•
The Open Admission question determines whether the Admissions component will be required
in the Winter.
•
The Academic Libraries expenses question determines whether the Academic Libraries
component will be required in the Spring. This question is asked of degree-granting institutions
only.
•
The operations question for new institutions determines reporting of 12-month enrollment
(E12).
To download survey materials package for this component: Survey Materials

date: 8/4/2015

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 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.
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs. Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.
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 winter, and Graduation Rates data in the
winter. 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 Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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 Student Financial Aid and Graduation
Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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)
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

5. Does your institution enroll students in doctor's degree - professional practice programs?
Checking Yes for this question will allow your institution to report graduate level students in Fall Enrollment. If you select
Yes to enrolling students in one of the listed programs, you will also report tuition for the appropriate program(s).
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 2009, 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 2009-10 cohort in the
winter 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 2009-10 Enrollment survey, the
data will be preloaded below.
No
This institution did not enroll full-time, firsttime (undergraduate) students.
This institution did not offer programs at or
below the baccalaureate level.
This institution was not in operation in 200910.
Yes
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)

Part B - Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization 
7. Multi-institution or multi-campus organization
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.
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, select the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution after clicking on 'Select System' below.
Select System

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Open Admission 
2. 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 required to report Admissions component
regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
No
Yes
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These
context
notes
will
be on
posted
the
College
Navigator.
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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 - Other Survey Screening Questions - Library Expenses 
Were your annual total library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 greater than zero?
No

Yes

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Levels of Enrollment Offered 
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2014-15?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be able to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution during
2014-15 and to report 12-month enrollment during the fall collection.
No
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.
Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)
Doctor's-professional practice

U.S. Department of Education
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Of
Education
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Software Provider Resources
Browsers Supported

Use of Cookies
Troubleshooting

Section 508 Compliance
NCES Privacy Policy

Image description. The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System End of image description.

IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header Full Instructions for 4-yr degree-granting institutions

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
Part B - Organization
Control and Award Levels
Calendar System
Enrollment Levels and GRS cohort question
Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
Open Admission
Library Expenses
Level of Enrollment

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 are 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.
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Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period:
•
•

Open admission policy question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.
Library expenses question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.

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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 and is used to
determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment (E12) component.

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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. Inappropriate or
repetitive contexts will be deleted.

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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 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

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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.
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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

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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.
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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.

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs.  Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.

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 information on Institutional Characteristics screens in Part D
and Student Financial Aid information during the Winter 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 the academic year indicated on the screen. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Winter.
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time degree/certificateseeking students enrolled in the academic year indicated on the screen. If you check Yes, you must report
Graduation Rates data in the Winter.

Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization
If applicable, select from the provided list the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. If you do not see your multi-institution or multi-organization listed, please contact the Help
Desk.
A multi-institution or multi-campus 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)

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Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
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.

Library Expenses
Indicate whether the annual total library expenses at your institution were greater than zero for Fiscal Year 2015.
Fiscal Year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that corresponds to your institution's fiscal year that
ends before October 1, 2015. Expenses include funds expended by the library (regardless of when received) from its
regular budget and from all other known sources; e.g., research grants, special projects, gifts and endowments, and
fees for services.  Those libraries in consortia or those that share all their resources with another institution, please
report whether the total annual library expenses at YOUR institution were greater than zero in Fiscal Year 2015. 
If the expenses are equal to 0, you will not be asked to complete the Academic Libraries (AL) component in the
Spring.

Level of Enrollment
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.
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Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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Glossary
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 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 college-level 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 (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 degreeresearch/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. For the Outcome Measures component, all
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who enter an institution during the fall term of a given year must
be placed in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time; part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time,
non-first-time.

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) and Outcome Measures (OM) 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. For OM component, undergraduate students must enter in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time;
part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time, non-first-time.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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 "firstprofessional", 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 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 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. 

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they
are considered subbacalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate
students.

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.

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.

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.

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 not-for-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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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?
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
4) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

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
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may requie a bachelor's degree for admission, they are considered
subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate students.
Back to top
4) 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 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header for 4-year institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
IC 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Educational Offerings
B: Organization
C: Other Survey Screening Questions
D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you must answer the following question. Responses to this question determine whether or not your institution
is part of the IPEDS universe.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ 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)

An institution is part of the IPEDS universe if it offers at least one of the following types of instruction:
•
•
•

Occupational
Academic
Continuing professional

Note: 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)

Note: 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 IPEDS Help Desk.
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Part B: Organization
Control and Levels
On this screen, you must provide information about your institution's control or affiliation and any award levels offered by
your institution.

Control or Affiliation
First, you must indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public (If this option is selected, then you must identify the Primary control from the drop-down menu provided. An
optional Secondary control may also be selected.)
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation) (If this option is selected, then you must identify the religious affiliation
from the drop-down menu provided.)

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

If a Secondary control is specified for Public, then this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Award Levels
Second, you must select the award levels for all credit programs offered at your institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, a fatal error will occur.
If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, you must enter a description in the context box
provided.

Calendar System
On this screen, you must report the predominant calendar system at your institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics, Graduation Rates, and Student
Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan
Note: Selecting one of these options 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 (Other calendar system)
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting on of these options 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 (Standard academic terms, Other calendar system)
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Note: Selecting this option 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.

Student Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide information about enrollment at your institution.

Enrollment Types
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting data in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment components. Additionally,
your response to the Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students question determines how
your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Undergraduate students, then you should not select
any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Part-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, then you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution does not enroll Graduate students, then you should not select any Award Levels
above the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

Doctor’s degree - professional practice
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Control and Levels screen that they offer the Doctor's
degree - professional practice award level
You must answer the following questions. Your response to these questions will determine whether your institution must
report data for Doctor’s degree - professional practice programs in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment
components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Does your institution enroll students in Doctor's degree - professional practice programs? Choose one of the following
options:

•

◦ No
◦ Yes
Applicable to institutions that selected Yes in response to the previous question. Does you institution enroll students
in any of the following Doctor’s degree - professional practice programs?
◦ No
◦ Yes, the institution enrolls students in at least one of the following 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.)

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

If you indicated on the Part B - Control and Levels screen that your institution offers the doctor's degree professional practice award level, then you are expected to respond Yes to the question that asks if your institution
enrolls students in doctor's degree - professional practice programs.

GR Cohort Question
Additionally, you must answer the following question. The number of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduates reported in the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) will be preloaded by the system for your
reference.
For Fall 2009, did your institution have any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in programs at the
baccalaureate level or below?
•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you must choose one 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 2009-10.
Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in
the winter collection.)

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

If you indicated that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students in the 'Enrollment Types' question, then you must select Yes in response to this question.
If you selected Yes in response to this question, then you are expected to indicate that you offer award levels at or
below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to select Yes in
response to this question.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is 0 or blank, then you are expected to select No in
response to this question.

System
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that
owns, governs, or controls the institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of 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 this option is selected, then you must specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus
organization that owns, governs, or controls the institution using the search function provided.)

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Part C: Other Survey Screening Questions
Library Expenses
Applicable to degree-granting institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must select No or Yes to indicate whether your library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 were greater than 0.
Fiscal year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that ends before October 1, 2015, that corresponds to the
institution's fiscal year.
If Yes is selected, then the Academic Libraries survey will be required during the Spring collection.

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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•

No (If this option is selected, then the Admissions survey will be required during the Winter collection.)
Yes

Operation
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution was in operation during the academic year 2014-15.
•
•

No
Yes (If this option is selected, check all levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.)
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Doctor's degree - professional practice (Only displayed for institutions that indicated on the Control and Levels
screen that they offer the Doctor's degree - professional practice award level)

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Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
For each of your institution's branch campuses (listed in the Campus List), you must select the award levels offered at that
campus.

Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
Additionally, you must answer the following question for each of your institution's branch campuses. Your response to this
question will determine whether your institution will be required to report cost data for this campus in the Institutional
Characteristics component.
•

Does your institution enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?
◦ No
◦ Yes

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

IC Header for 4-year non-degree-granting institutions
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Header Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics Header survey component (IC Header). This survey was introduced to
collect data that are key to reporting throughout the IPEDS data collection, and must be completed and locked before
any other survey can be started.
Some IC Header questions may require nothing more than a confirmation, if nothing has changed. Please make
changes as necessary, and complete items that do need a response (enrollment questions).
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to provide NCES with accurate data about the institution. Please
never hesitate to call the IPEDS Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568 and ask for help to make sure that you are reporting
correctly!
Changes to This Year's IC Header Component:
•
The multi-institution or multi-campus organization must now be selected from a list of organizations.
•
The Open Admission screening question has been moved here from IC. The question has not changed.
•
A new screening question concerning total Academic Libraries expenses has been added for degreegranting institutions only.
Because of the importance of the IC Header data in determining the screens you will receive in other surveys, be sure
to report correctly, and to contact the IPEDS Help Desk if you have ANY questions about what you need to report.
The IC Header data affect other survey components in the following ways:
•
The Educational Offerings question verifies your institution's inclusion in IPEDS.
•
The Control and Levels page is key to all survey components, especially to Finance (F) and
Graduation Rates (GR). Additionally, this is important information for students, impacts many
federal reports, and is used in placing institutions in appropriate net price groupings.
•
Calendar system selection impacts student charges data reported in Institutional
Characteristics (IC), Fall Enrollment (EF) data, GR data, and Student Financial Aid (SFA) data
related to the net price calculation.
•
Enrollment levels impact student charges in IC and enrollment categories in the EF survey
component.
•
The Open Admission question determines whether the Admissions component will be required
in the Winter.
•
The Academic Libraries expenses question determines whether the Academic Libraries
component will be required in the Spring. This question is asked of degree-granting institutions
only.
•
The operations question for new institutions determines reporting of 12-month enrollment
(E12).
To download survey materials package for this component: Survey Materials

date: 8/4/2015

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 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.
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs. Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.
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 winter, and Graduation Rates data in the
winter. 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 Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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 Student Financial Aid and Graduation
Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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)
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

5. Does your institution enroll students in doctor's degree - professional practice programs?
Checking Yes for this question will allow your institution to report graduate level students in Fall Enrollment. If you select
Yes to enrolling students in one of the listed programs, you will also report tuition for the appropriate program(s).
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 2009, 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 2009-10 cohort in the
winter 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 2009-10 Enrollment survey, the
data will be preloaded below.
No
This institution did not enroll full-time, firsttime (undergraduate) students.
This institution did not offer programs at or
below the baccalaureate level.
This institution was not in operation in 200910.
Yes
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)

Part B - Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization 
7. Multi-institution or multi-campus organization
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.
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, select the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution after clicking on 'Select System' below.
Select System

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Open Admission 
2. 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 required to report Admissions component
regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
No
Yes
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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 - Other Survey Screening Questions - Levels of Enrollment Offered 
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2014-15?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be able to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution during
2014-15 and to report 12-month enrollment during the fall collection.
No
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.
Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)
Doctor's-professional practice

U.S. Department of Education
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Use of Cookies
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Section 508 Compliance
NCES Privacy Policy

Image description. The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System End of image description.

IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header Full Instructions for 4-yr nondegree-granting institutions

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
Part B - Organization
Control and Award Levels
Calendar System
Enrollment Levels and GRS cohort question
Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
Open Admission
Level of Enrollment

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 are 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.
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Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period:
•

Open admission policy question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.

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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 and is used to
determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment (E12) component.

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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. Inappropriate or
repetitive contexts will be deleted.
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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 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

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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.
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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

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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.
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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.

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs.  Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.

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 information on Institutional Characteristics screens in Part D
and Student Financial Aid information during the Winter 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 the academic year indicated on the screen. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Winter.
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time degree/certificateseeking students enrolled in the academic year indicated on the screen. If you check Yes, you must report
Graduation Rates data in the Winter.

Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization
If applicable, select from the provided list the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. If you do not see your multi-institution or multi-organization listed, please contact the Help
Desk.
A multi-institution or multi-campus 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)

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Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
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.

Level of Enrollment
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.
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Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
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 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 college-level 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 (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 degreeresearch/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. For the Outcome Measures component, all
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who enter an institution during the fall term of a given year must
be placed in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time; part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time,
non-first-time.

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) and Outcome Measures (OM) 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. For OM component, undergraduate students must enter in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time;
part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time, non-first-time.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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 "firstprofessional", 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 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 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. 

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they
are considered subbacalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate
students.

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.

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.

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.

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 not-for-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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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?
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
4) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

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
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may requie a bachelor's degree for admission, they are considered
subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate students.
Back to top
4) 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 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header for 4-year institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
IC 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Educational Offerings
B: Organization
C: Other Survey Screening Questions
D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you must answer the following question. Responses to this question determine whether or not your institution
is part of the IPEDS universe.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ 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)

An institution is part of the IPEDS universe if it offers at least one of the following types of instruction:
•
•
•

Occupational
Academic
Continuing professional

Note: 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)

Note: 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 IPEDS Help Desk.
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Part B: Organization
Control and Levels
On this screen, you must provide information about your institution's control or affiliation and any award levels offered by
your institution.

Control or Affiliation
First, you must indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public (If this option is selected, then you must identify the Primary control from the drop-down menu provided. An
optional Secondary control may also be selected.)
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation) (If this option is selected, then you must identify the religious affiliation
from the drop-down menu provided.)

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

If a Secondary control is specified for Public, then this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Award Levels
Second, you must select the award levels for all credit programs offered at your institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, a fatal error will occur.
If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, you must enter a description in the context box
provided.

Calendar System
On this screen, you must report the predominant calendar system at your institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics, Graduation Rates, and Student
Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan
Note: Selecting one of these options 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 (Other calendar system)
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting on of these options 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 (Standard academic terms, Other calendar system)
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Note: Selecting this option 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.

Student Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide information about enrollment at your institution.

Enrollment Types
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting data in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment components. Additionally,
your response to the Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students question determines how
your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Undergraduate students, then you should not select
any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Part-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, then you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution does not enroll Graduate students, then you should not select any Award Levels
above the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

Doctor’s degree - professional practice
Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Control and Levels screen that they offer the Doctor's
degree - professional practice award level
You must answer the following questions. Your response to these questions will determine whether your institution must
report data for Doctor’s degree - professional practice programs in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment
components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Does your institution enroll students in Doctor's degree - professional practice programs? Choose one of the following
options:

•

◦ No
◦ Yes
Applicable to institutions that selected Yes in response to the previous question. Does you institution enroll students
in any of the following Doctor’s degree - professional practice programs?
◦ No
◦ Yes, the institution enrolls students in at least one of the following 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.)

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

If you indicated on the Part B - Control and Levels screen that your institution offers the doctor's degree professional practice award level, then you are expected to respond Yes to the question that asks if your institution
enrolls students in doctor's degree - professional practice programs.

GR Cohort Question
Additionally, you must answer the following question. The number of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduates reported in the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) will be preloaded by the system for your
reference.
For Fall 2009, did your institution have any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in programs at the
baccalaureate level or below?
•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you must choose one 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 2009-10.
Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in
the winter collection.)

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

If you indicated that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students in the 'Enrollment Types' question, then you must select Yes in response to this question.
If you selected Yes in response to this question, then you are expected to indicate that you offer award levels at or
below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to select Yes in
response to this question.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is 0 or blank, then you are expected to select No in
response to this question.

System
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that
owns, governs, or controls the institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of 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 this option is selected, then you must specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus
organization that owns, governs, or controls the institution using the search function provided.)

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Part C: Other Survey Screening Questions
Library Expenses
Applicable to degree-granting institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must select No or Yes to indicate whether your library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 were greater than 0.
Fiscal year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that ends before October 1, 2015, that corresponds to the
institution's fiscal year.
If Yes is selected, then the Academic Libraries survey will be required during the Spring collection.

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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•

No (If this option is selected, then the Admissions survey will be required during the Winter collection.)
Yes

Operation
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution was in operation during the academic year 2014-15.
•
•

No
Yes (If this option is selected, check all levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.)
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Doctor's degree - professional practice (Only displayed for institutions that indicated on the Control and Levels
screen that they offer the Doctor's degree - professional practice award level)

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Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
For each of your institution's branch campuses (listed in the Campus List), you must select the award levels offered at that
campus.

Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
Additionally, you must answer the following question for each of your institution's branch campuses. Your response to this
question will determine whether your institution will be required to report cost data for this campus in the Institutional
Characteristics component.
•

Does your institution enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?
◦ No
◦ Yes

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

IC Header for less-than-2-year institutions
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Header Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics Header survey component (IC Header). This survey was introduced to
collect data that are key to reporting throughout the IPEDS data collection, and must be completed and locked before
any other survey can be started.
Some IC Header questions may require nothing more than a confirmation, if nothing has changed. Please make
changes as necessary, and complete items that do need a response (enrollment questions).
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to provide NCES with accurate data about the institution. Please
never hesitate to call the IPEDS Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568 and ask for help to make sure that you are reporting
correctly!
Changes to This Year's IC Header Component:
•
The multi-institution or multi-campus organization must now be selected from a list of organizations.
•
The Open Admission screening question has been moved here from IC. The question has not changed.
•
A new screening question concerning total Academic Libraries expenses has been added for degreegranting institutions only.
Because of the importance of the IC Header data in determining the screens you will receive in other surveys, be sure
to report correctly, and to contact the IPEDS Help Desk if you have ANY questions about what you need to report.
The IC Header data affect other survey components in the following ways:
•
The Educational Offerings question verifies your institution's inclusion in IPEDS.
•
The Control and Levels page is key to all survey components, especially to Finance (F) and
Graduation Rates (GR). Additionally, this is important information for students, impacts many
federal reports, and is used in placing institutions in appropriate net price groupings.
•
Calendar system selection impacts student charges data reported in Institutional
Characteristics (IC), Fall Enrollment (EF) data, GR data, and Student Financial Aid (SFA) data
related to the net price calculation.
•
Enrollment levels impact student charges in IC and enrollment categories in the EF survey
component.
•
The Open Admission question determines whether the Admissions component will be required
in the Winter.
•
The Academic Libraries expenses question determines whether the Academic Libraries
component will be required in the Spring. This question is asked of degree-granting institutions
only.
•
The operations question for new institutions determines reporting of 12-month enrollment
(E12).
To download survey materials package for this component: Survey Materials

date: 8/4/2015

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 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.
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs. Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.
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

12

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 (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 winter, and Graduation Rates data in the
winter. 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 Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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
First-time students

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

6. For academic year 2012-13, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in the
winter 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 2012-13
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 2012-13.
Yes
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)

Part B - Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization 
7. Multi-institution or multi-campus organization
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.
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, select the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution after clicking on 'Select System' below.
Select System

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Open Admission 
2. 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 required to report Admissions component
regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
No
Yes
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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 - Other Survey Screening Questions - Levels of Enrollment Offered 
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2014-15?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be able to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution during
2014-15 and to report 12-month enrollment during the fall collection.
No
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.
Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

U.S. Department of Education
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Section 508 Compliance
NCES Privacy Policy

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header Full Instructions for less than 2-year institutions

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
Part B - Organization
Control and Award Levels
Calendar System
Enrollment Levels and GRS cohort question
Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
Open Admission
Level of Enrollment

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 are 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.
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Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period:
•

Open admission policy question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.

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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 and is used to
determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment (E12) component.

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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. Inappropriate or
repetitive contexts will be deleted.
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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 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

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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.
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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

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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.
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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.

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs.  Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.

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 information on Institutional Characteristics screens in Part D
and Student Financial Aid information during the Winter 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 the academic year indicated on the screen. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Winter.
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time degree/certificateseeking students enrolled in the academic year indicated on the screen. If you check Yes, you must report
Graduation Rates data in the Winter.

Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization
If applicable, select from the provided list the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. If you do not see your multi-institution or multi-organization listed, please contact the Help
Desk.
A multi-institution or multi-campus 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)

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Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
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.

Level of Enrollment
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.
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Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
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 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 college-level 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 (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 degreeresearch/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. For the Outcome Measures component, all
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who enter an institution during the fall term of a given year must
be placed in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time; part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time,
non-first-time.

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) and Outcome Measures (OM) 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. For OM component, undergraduate students must enter in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time;
part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time, non-first-time.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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 "firstprofessional", 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 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 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. 

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they
are considered subbacalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate
students.

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.

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.

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.

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 not-for-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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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?
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
4) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

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
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may requie a bachelor's degree for admission, they are considered
subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate students.
Back to top
4) 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 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header for less-than-2-year institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
IC 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Educational Offerings
B: Organization
C: Other Survey Screening Questions
D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you must answer the following question. Responses to this question determine whether or not your institution
is part of the IPEDS universe.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ 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)

An institution is part of the IPEDS universe if it offers at least one of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

Note: 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)

Note: 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 IPEDS Help Desk.
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Part B: Organization
Control and Levels
On this screen, you must provide information about your institution's control or affiliation and any award levels offered by
your institution.

Control or Affiliation
First, you must indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public (If this option is selected, then you must identify the Primary control from the drop-down menu provided. An
optional Secondary control may also be selected.)
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation) (If this option is selected, then you must identify the religious affiliation
from the drop-down menu provided.)

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

If a Secondary control is specified for Public, then this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Award Levels
Second, you must select the award levels for all credit programs offered at your institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
•
•
•
•
•

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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

•
•

If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, a fatal error will occur.
If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, you must enter a description in the context box
provided.

Calendar System
On this screen, you must report the predominant calendar system at your institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics, Graduation Rates, and Student
Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
Note: Selecting on of these options 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 (Standard academic terms)
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan
Note: Selecting one of these options 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.

Student Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information about enrollment at your institution.

Enrollment Types
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting data in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment components. Additionally,
your response to the Full-time First-time students question determines how your institution is expected to report data in
the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

Students in academic or occupational programs
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time students
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs,
then you should not select any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll Full-time and/or Part-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Part-time Students in academic or occupational programs.

GR Cohort Question
Additionally, you must answer the following question. The number of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduates reported in the 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) will be preloaded by the system for your
reference.
For academic year 2012-13, did your institution have any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in
programs at the baccalaureate level or below?
•
•

Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in
the winter collection.)
No (If this option is selected, then you must choose one 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 2012-13.

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

If you indicated that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students in the 'Enrollment Types' question, then you must select Yes in response to this question.
If you selected Yes in response to this question, then you are expected to indicate that you offer award levels at or
below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to select Yes in
response to this question.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is 0 or blank, then you are expected to select No in
response to this question.

System
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that
owns, governs, or controls the institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of 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 this option is selected, then you must specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus
organization that owns, governs, or controls the institution using the search function provided.)

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Part C: Other Survey Screening Questions
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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•

No (If this option is selected, then the Admissions survey will be required during the Winter collection.)
Yes

Operation
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution was in operation during the academic year 2014-15.
•
•

No
Yes (If this option is selected, check all levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.)
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

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Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
For each of your institution's branch campuses (listed in the Campus List), you must select the award levels offered at that
campus.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options below the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
•
•
•
•
•

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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
Additionally, you must answer the following question for each of your institution's branch campuses. Your response to this
question will determine whether your institution will be required to report cost data for this campus in the Institutional
Characteristics component.
•

Does your institution enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?
◦ No
◦ Yes

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

IC Header for private 2-year non-degree-granting institutions
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Header Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics Header survey component (IC Header). This survey was introduced to
collect data that are key to reporting throughout the IPEDS data collection, and must be completed and locked before
any other survey can be started.
Some IC Header questions may require nothing more than a confirmation, if nothing has changed. Please make
changes as necessary, and complete items that do need a response (enrollment questions).
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to provide NCES with accurate data about the institution. Please
never hesitate to call the IPEDS Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568 and ask for help to make sure that you are reporting
correctly!
Changes to This Year's IC Header Component:
•
The multi-institution or multi-campus organization must now be selected from a list of organizations.
•
The Open Admission screening question has been moved here from IC. The question has not changed.
•
A new screening question concerning total Academic Libraries expenses has been added for degreegranting institutions only.
Because of the importance of the IC Header data in determining the screens you will receive in other surveys, be sure
to report correctly, and to contact the IPEDS Help Desk if you have ANY questions about what you need to report.
The IC Header data affect other survey components in the following ways:
•
The Educational Offerings question verifies your institution's inclusion in IPEDS.
•
The Control and Levels page is key to all survey components, especially to Finance (F) and
Graduation Rates (GR). Additionally, this is important information for students, impacts many
federal reports, and is used in placing institutions in appropriate net price groupings.
•
Calendar system selection impacts student charges data reported in Institutional
Characteristics (IC), Fall Enrollment (EF) data, GR data, and Student Financial Aid (SFA) data
related to the net price calculation.
•
Enrollment levels impact student charges in IC and enrollment categories in the EF survey
component.
•
The Open Admission question determines whether the Admissions component will be required
in the Winter.
•
The Academic Libraries expenses question determines whether the Academic Libraries
component will be required in the Spring. This question is asked of degree-granting institutions
only.
•
The operations question for new institutions determines reporting of 12-month enrollment
(E12).
To download survey materials package for this component: Survey Materials

date: 8/4/2015

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 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.
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs. Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.
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 winter, and Graduation Rates data in the
winter. 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 Student Financial Aid and
Graduation Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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 Student Financial Aid and Graduation
Rates data based on a FULL-YEAR COHORT, 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
First-time students

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

6. For academic year 2012-13, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in the
winter 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 2012-13
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 2012-13.
Yes
Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort)

Part B - Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization 
7. Multi-institution or multi-campus organization
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.
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, select the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,
or controls the institution after clicking on 'Select System' below.
Select System

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions - Open Admission 
2. 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 required to report Admissions component
regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.
No
Yes
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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 - Other Survey Screening Questions - Levels of Enrollment Offered 
Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2014-15?
If you answer Yes to this question, you will be able to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution during
2014-15 and to report 12-month enrollment during the fall collection.
No
Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.
Undergraduate
Graduate (not including doctor's-professional practice)

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header Full Instructions for private 2-yr nondegree-granting institutions

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
Part B - Organization
Control and Award Levels
Calendar System
Enrollment Levels and GRS cohort question
Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization

Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
Open Admission
Level of Enrollment

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 are 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.
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Changes in reporting
The following changes were implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period:
•

Open admission policy question added to “Part C – Other screening questions”.

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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 and is used to
determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment (E12) component.

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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. Inappropriate or
repetitive contexts will be deleted.
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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 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

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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.
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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

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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.
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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.

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they are
considered subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs.  Check the applicable award level 1, 2, or 4, depending on the
length of the Teacher Preparation program.

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 information on Institutional Characteristics screens in Part D
and Student Financial Aid information during the Winter 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 the academic year indicated on the screen. If you indicate
Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Winter.
Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time degree/certificateseeking students enrolled in the academic year indicated on the screen. If you check Yes, you must report
Graduation Rates data in the Winter.

Multi-institution or Multi-campus Organization
If applicable, select from the provided list the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or
controls the institution. If you do not see your multi-institution or multi-organization listed, please contact the Help
Desk.
A multi-institution or multi-campus 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)

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Part C - Other Survey Screening Questions
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.

Level of Enrollment
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.
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Part D - Branch campus
For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
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 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 college-level 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 (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 degreeresearch/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. For the Outcome Measures component, all
degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who enter an institution during the fall term of a given year must
be placed in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time; part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time,
non-first-time.

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) and Outcome Measures (OM) 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. For OM component, undergraduate students must enter in one of four cohorts: full-time, first-time;
part-time, first-time; full-time, non-first-time; and part-time, non-first-time.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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 "firstprofessional", 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 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 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. 

NOTE: Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may require a bachelor's degree for admission, they
are considered subbacalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate
students.

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.

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.

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.

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 not-for-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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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?
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
4) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

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
3) In what award level category should Teachers Preparation certificates be reported?
Even though Teacher Preparation certificate programs may requie a bachelor's degree for admission, they are considered
subbaccalaureate undergraduate programs, and students in these programs are undergraduate students.
Back to top
4) 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 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

IC Header for 2-year institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
IC 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Educational Offerings
B: Organization
C: Other Survey Screening Questions
D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings
Educational Offerings
On this screen, you must answer the following question. Responses to this question determine whether or not your institution
is part of the IPEDS universe.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.
◦ 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)

An institution is part of the IPEDS universe if it offers at least one of the following types of instruction:
•
•

Occupational
Academic

Note: 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)

Note: 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 IPEDS Help Desk.
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Part B: Organization
Control and Levels
On this screen, you must provide information about your institution's control or affiliation and any award levels offered by
your institution.

Control or Affiliation
First, you must indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•
•
•

Public (If this option is selected, then you must identify the Primary control from the drop-down menu provided. An
optional Secondary control may also be selected.)
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation) (If this option is selected, then you must identify the religious affiliation
from the drop-down menu provided.)

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

If a Secondary control is specified for Public, then this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Award Levels
Second, you must select the award levels for all credit programs offered at your institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, a fatal error will occur.
If you report Other as an award level offered by your institution, you must enter a description in the context box
provided.

Calendar System
On this screen, you must report the predominant calendar system at your institution. Your response to this question will
determine how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics, Graduation Rates, and Student
Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system. If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from
the prior year or requires a change, then contact the IPEDS Help Desk for further assistance.
Choose one of the following options:
Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)
•
•
•
•

Semester
Quarter
Trimester
4-1-4 or similar plan
Note: Selecting one of these options 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 (Other calendar system)
•
•

Differs by programs
Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)
Note: Selecting on of these options 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 (Standard academic terms, Other calendar system)
•

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Note: Selecting this option 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.

Student Enrollment
On this screen, you must provide information about enrollment at your institution.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Public institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting data in the Institutional Characteristics and Fall Enrollment components. Additionally,
your response to the Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students question determines how
your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

•

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Undergraduate students, then you should not select
any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Full-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time, First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Part-time Undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, then you must select at least one Award Level above
the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If you indicate that your institution does not enroll Graduate students, then you should not select any Award Levels
above the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

Enrollment Types
Applicable to Private institutions
This section 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. Your responses here will determine which
screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges in the Institutional Characteristics component, and for
reporting Fall Enrollment data during the spring collection. Additionally, your response to the Full-time First-time students
question determines how your institution is expected to report data in the Institutional Characteristics and Student Financial
Aid components.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

You must indicate whether your institution offers each of the specified levels of enrollment.
•

•

Students in academic or occupational programs
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes
First-time students
◦ Full-time - Choose No or Yes
◦ Part-time - Choose No or Yes

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

Either No or Yes must be selected for each student type.
You must choose Yes for at least one of the available student types.
For each level of student enrollment, if you reported students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment survey,
then you are expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen. For institutions
with greater than 5 students reported at that level in the prior year Fall Enrollment survey, this error is fatal.
For each level of student enrollment, if you did not report students at that level on the prior year Fall Enrollment
survey, then you are not expected to indicate that your institution enrolls students at that level on this screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll either full-time or part-time, first-time students.
If you indicate that your institution has a GR Cohort of full-time, first-time students, then you must also report
enrolling Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs, then 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 does not enroll Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs,
then you should not select any Award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
Your institution is expected to enroll Full-time and/or Part-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduate students.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Full-time Students in academic or occupational programs.
If you indicate that your institution enrolls Part-time First-time students, then you must also report that your
institution enrolls Part-time Students in academic or occupational programs.

GR Cohort Question
Additionally, you must answer the following question. The number of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking
undergraduates reported in the 2012-13 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) will be preloaded by the system for your
reference.
For academic year 2012-13, did your institution have any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in
programs at the baccalaureate level or below?
•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you must choose one 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 2012-13.
Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2012-13 cohort in
the winter collection.)

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

If you indicated that your institution enrolls Full-time First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate
students in the 'Enrollment Types' question, then you must select Yes in response to this question.
If you selected Yes in response to this question, then you are expected to indicate that you offer award levels at or
below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to select Yes in
response to this question.
If the preloaded GR Cohort from the Fall Enrollment survey is 0 or blank, then you are expected to select No in
response to this question.

System
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that
owns, governs, or controls the institution.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of 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 this option is selected, then you must specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus
organization that owns, governs, or controls the institution using the search function provided.)

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Part C: Other Survey Screening Questions
Library Expenses
Applicable to degree-granting institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must select No or Yes to indicate whether your library expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 were greater than 0.
Fiscal year 2015 is defined as the most recent 12-month period that ends before October 1, 2015, that corresponds to the
institution's fiscal year.
If Yes is selected, then the Academic Libraries survey will be required during the Spring collection.

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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Choose one of the following options:
•
•

No (If this option is selected, then the Admissions survey will be required during the Winter collection.)
Yes

Operation
Applicable to new institutions ONLY
On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution was in operation during the academic year 2014-15.
•
•

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No
Yes (If this option is selected, check all levels of enrollment offered during 2014-15.)
◦ Undergraduate
◦ Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

Part D: Campus Award Levels
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
For each of your institution's branch campuses (listed in the Campus List), you must select the award levels offered at that
campus.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all that apply.
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 this option is selected, then you must specify 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.
Additionally, you must answer the following question for each of your institution's branch campuses. Your response to this
question will determine whether your institution will be required to report cost data for this campus in the Institutional
Characteristics component.
•

Does your institution enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students?
◦ No
◦ Yes

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for degree-granting 2-year academic year tuition
reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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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 - 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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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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 2015-16

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.
Prior year

Amount
Application fee

5. Charges to full-time students for the full academic year 2015-16
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
Per credit hour charge

Prior year

In-state

Prior year

Out-of-state

Prior year

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board  
10. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2015-16?
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 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 2015-16 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
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
2015-16
academic year
Published tuition and required fees:
Guaranteed
Tuition Guarantee
increase %
(check only if applicable to
entering students in 201516)
In-district
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
In-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
Out-of-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
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
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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

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify

Basketball

No

Yes-Specify

Baseball

No

Yes-Specify

Cross country and/or track

No

Yes-Specify

Conference

Select One
Select One
Select One
Select One

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

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IPEDS First Looks
IPEDS Table Library
IPEDS Data Feedback Reports
The Digest of Education Statistics
The Condition of Education

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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) 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
4) 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
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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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, first-time 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 IC 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, 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Academic institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to academic 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

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No
Yes

Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post 9/11-GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
◦ No
◦ 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 provided.)
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options.

◦

•

•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.
Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report only one tuition rate throughout Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required 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 one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge in Part D.)
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and 99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment

Application Fee
On this screen, you must 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:
•
•
•

The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

Next, report any full-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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.

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Graduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time graduate enrollment

Application Fee

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 $150.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment
Next, report any full-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 charged to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 part-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.

•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, 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
Next, report any Doctor’s - Professional Practice student charges by all applicable tuition rates. The tuition rates shown may
vary to include In-state and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time Doctor's - Professional Practice
students at your institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges
Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported
amount.
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 2015-16:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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 system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

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, then you must enter both an In-state and Out-of-state Tuition amount, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition amount must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Tuition amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then you must enter both In-state and Out-of-state Required fees, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Required fees.

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Room and/or Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen

A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "No" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year total amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within
a 20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association.
Choose one of the following options:
•

•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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
No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)

Note: If your institution makes 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 conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey.

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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

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Price of Attendance

Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the
beginning of Part F. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $500. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for degree-granting 2-year program tuition reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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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 - 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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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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 2015-16

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 program

If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program
appears above, 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.
Contact Hours
Credit Hours

How is your program
measured?
Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending fulltime
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.
Amount

Prior year

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 months 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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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)
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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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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
clear
hours
hours
Title
3rd

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

4th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

5th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

6th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

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

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board  
10. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2015-16?
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

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify

Basketball

No

Yes-Specify

Baseball

No

Yes-Specify

Cross country and/or track

No

Yes-Specify

Conference

Select One
Select One
Select One
Select One

U.S. Department of Education
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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

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

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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) 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
4) 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
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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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, first-time 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!
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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 IC 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, 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Program institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

Yes
No

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Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.  
◦ 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 provided.)
◦ No
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)

•

Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students?  Choose one of the following options:
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge 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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and  99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

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Programs
On this screen, specify 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. 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 Program Data screen will be
required.
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Room and/or Board

Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen
A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “No” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within a
20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

•
•

If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma of certificate, or diploma of
of less than one year
at least one but less
at least two but less
(less than 900 contact than two years (900 to
than four years (more
hours)
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•
•
•

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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Application Fee
Next, you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.

•

For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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.
All costs should be reported for the entire length of the 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.
First, if your institution does not enroll first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, 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

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then the above information for the 1st largest
program offered at your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

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).
If your institution reports duplicate CIP Codes on this screen, then the Total length of
program or Program measurement type must be 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 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

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 Number of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, and a number greater
than 0 is entered for Number 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 Number 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 Number 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 Number
of months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
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.
•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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

•

No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Branch Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that this does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the beginning of Part F.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for non-degree-granting 2-year academic year
tuition reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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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 - 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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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%

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 2015-16

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.
Prior year

Amount
Application fee

5. Charges to full-time students for the full academic year 2015-16
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
Per credit hour charge

Prior year

In-state

Prior year

Out-of-state

Prior year

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 2015-16 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
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
2015-16
academic year
Published tuition and required fees:
Guaranteed
Tuition Guarantee
increase %
(check only if applicable to
entering students in 201516)
In-district
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
In-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
Out-of-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
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
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parents.

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

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

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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IPEDS Help Desk
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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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.
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3) 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).
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4) 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/.
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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.
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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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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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, first-time 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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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5) What IC 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, 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.
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(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Academic institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to academic 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

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No
Yes

Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post 9/11-GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
◦ No
◦ 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 provided.)
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options.

◦

•

•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.
Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report only one tuition rate throughout Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required 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 one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge in Part D.)
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and 99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment

Application Fee
On this screen, you must 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:
•
•
•

The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

Next, report any full-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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.

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Graduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time graduate enrollment

Application Fee

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 $150.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment
Next, report any full-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 charged to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 part-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.

•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, 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
Next, report any Doctor’s - Professional Practice student charges by all applicable tuition rates. The tuition rates shown may
vary to include In-state and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time Doctor's - Professional Practice
students at your institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges
Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported
amount.
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 2015-16:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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 system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

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, then you must enter both an In-state and Out-of-state Tuition amount, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition amount must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Tuition amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then you must enter both In-state and Out-of-state Required fees, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Required fees.

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Room and/or Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen

A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "No" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year total amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within
a 20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association.
Choose one of the following options:
•

•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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
No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)

Note: If your institution makes 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 conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey.

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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

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Price of Attendance

Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the
beginning of Part F. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $500. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for non-degree-granting 2-year program tuition
reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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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 - 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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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%

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 2015-16

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 program

If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program
appears above, 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.
Contact Hours
Credit Hours

How is your program
measured?
Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending fulltime
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.
Amount

Prior year

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 months 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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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)
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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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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
clear
hours
hours
Title
3rd

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

4th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

5th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

6th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

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

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

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

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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) 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
4) 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
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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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, first-time 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 IC 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, 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Program institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

Yes
No

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Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.  
◦ 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 provided.)
◦ No
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)

•

Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students?  Choose one of the following options:
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge 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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and  99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

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Programs
On this screen, specify 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. 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 Program Data screen will be
required.
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Room and/or Board

Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen
A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “No” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within a
20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

•
•

If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma of certificate, or diploma of
of less than one year
at least one but less
at least two but less
(less than 900 contact than two years (900 to
than four years (more
hours)
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•
•
•

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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Application Fee
Next, you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.

•

For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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.
All costs should be reported for the entire length of the 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.
First, if your institution does not enroll first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, 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

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then the above information for the 1st largest
program offered at your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

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).
If your institution reports duplicate CIP Codes on this screen, then the Total length of
program or Program measurement type must be 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 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

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 Number of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, and a number greater
than 0 is entered for Number 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 Number 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 Number 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 Number
of months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
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.
•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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

•

No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Branch Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that this does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the beginning of Part F.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for 4-year academic year tuition reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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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 - 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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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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 2015-16

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

Undergraduate application fee

5. Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2015-16
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
Per credit hour charge

Prior year

In-state

Prior year

Out-of-state

Prior year

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

Prior year

Graduate application fee

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 2015-16
In-district

Prior year

In-state

Prior year

Out-of-state

Prior year

In-state

Prior year

Out-of-state

Prior year

Average tuition
Required fees

8. Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students
In-district
Per credit hour charge

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 2015-16.
DO NOT include room and board charges
Doctor's degree-professional practice
1. Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.):
Tuition amount
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

In-state

Out-of-state

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board  
10. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2015-16?
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 2015-16 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
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
2015-16
academic year
Published tuition and required fees:
Guaranteed
Tuition Guarantee
increase %
(check only if applicable to
entering students in 201516)
In-district
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
In-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
Out-of-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
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
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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

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify

Basketball

No

Yes-Specify

Baseball

No

Yes-Specify

Cross country and/or track

No

Yes-Specify

Conference

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

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

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

•
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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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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.
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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.
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3) 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).
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4) 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
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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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, first-time 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!
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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).
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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.
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5) What IC 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, 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.
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(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Academic institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to academic 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

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No
Yes

Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post 9/11-GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
◦ No
◦ 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 provided.)
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options.

◦

•

•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.
Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report only one tuition rate throughout Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required 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 one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge in Part D.)
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and 99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment

Application Fee
On this screen, you must 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:
•
•
•

The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

Next, report any full-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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.

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Graduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time graduate enrollment

Application Fee

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 $150.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment
Next, report any full-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 charged to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 part-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.

•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, 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
Next, report any Doctor’s - Professional Practice student charges by all applicable tuition rates. The tuition rates shown may
vary to include In-state and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time Doctor's - Professional Practice
students at your institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges
Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported
amount.
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 2015-16:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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 system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

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, then you must enter both an In-state and Out-of-state Tuition amount, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition amount must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Tuition amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then you must enter both In-state and Out-of-state Required fees, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Required fees.

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Room and/or Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen

A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "No" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year total amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within
a 20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association.
Choose one of the following options:
•

•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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
No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)

Note: If your institution makes 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 conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey.

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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

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Price of Attendance

Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the
beginning of Part F. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $500. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for 4-year program tuition reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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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 - 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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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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 2015-16

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 program

If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program
appears above, 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.
Contact Hours
Credit Hours

How is your program
measured?
Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending fulltime
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.
Amount

Prior year

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 months 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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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)
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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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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
clear
hours
hours
Title
3rd

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

4th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

5th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

6th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

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

Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board  
10. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2015-16?
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

NCAA or NAIA member
No
Yes-Specify

Basketball

No

Yes-Specify

Baseball

No

Yes-Specify

Cross country and/or track

No

Yes-Specify

Conference

Select One
Select One
Select One
Select One

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

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

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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) 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
4) 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
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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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, first-time 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 IC 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, 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Program institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

Yes
No

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Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.  
◦ 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 provided.)
◦ No
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)

•

Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students?  Choose one of the following options:
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge 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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and  99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

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Programs
On this screen, specify 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. 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 Program Data screen will be
required.
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Room and/or Board

Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen
A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “No” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within a
20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

•
•

If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma of certificate, or diploma of
of less than one year
at least one but less
at least two but less
(less than 900 contact than two years (900 to
than four years (more
hours)
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•
•
•

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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Application Fee
Next, you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.

•

For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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.
All costs should be reported for the entire length of the 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.
First, if your institution does not enroll first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, 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

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then the above information for the 1st largest
program offered at your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

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).
If your institution reports duplicate CIP Codes on this screen, then the Total length of
program or Program measurement type must be 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 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

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 Number of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, and a number greater
than 0 is entered for Number 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 Number 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 Number 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 Number
of months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
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.
•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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

•

No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Branch Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that this does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the beginning of Part F.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for less-than-2-year academic year tuition reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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will be posted on the College Navigator website, and should be written to be understood by students and
parents.

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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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%

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 2015-16

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.
Prior year

Amount
Application fee

5. Charges to full-time students for the full academic year 2015-16
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
Per credit hour charge

Prior year

In-state

Prior year

Out-of-state

Prior year

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 2015-16 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
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
2015-16
academic year
Published tuition and required fees:
Guaranteed
Tuition Guarantee
increase %
(check only if applicable to
entering students in 201516)
In-district
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
In-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
Out-of-state
Tuition
Required fees
Tuition + fees
total
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
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parents.

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IPEDS Help Desk
(877) 225-2568 or [email protected]

NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

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

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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.
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3) 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
4) 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
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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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, first-time 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!
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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.
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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).
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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 IC 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, 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

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Academic institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to academic 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

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No
Yes

Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post 9/11-GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.
◦ No
◦ 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 provided.)
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options.

◦

•

•

•

No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.
Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report only one tuition rate throughout Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be required 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 one of the
following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge in Part D.)
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and 99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

Undergraduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment

Application Fee
On this screen, you must 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:
•
•
•

The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

Next, report any full-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time undergraduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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.

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Graduate Student Charges
Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time graduate enrollment

Application Fee

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 $150.
The application fee reported is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Full-time Graduate Students
Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment
Next, report any full-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 charged to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.
For each applicable tuition rate, the sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be
greater than 0.
For each applicable tuition rate, the Average tuition reported 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 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.
For each applicable tuition rate, 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 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
Next, report any part-time graduate student charges by all applicable tuition rates. 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 graduate students at your
institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D.
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.
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 part-time graduate students for the full academic year 2015-16.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•

For each applicable tuition rate, the Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.

•
•
•

For each applicable tuition rate, 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
Next, report any Doctor’s - Professional Practice student charges by all applicable tuition rates. The tuition rates shown may
vary to include In-state and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time Doctor's - Professional Practice
students at your institution. The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges
Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported
amount.
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 2015-16:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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 system will perform the following edit on the data entered:
•

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, then you must enter both an In-state and Out-of-state Tuition amount, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition amount must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Tuition amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then you must enter both In-state and Out-of-state Required fees, or
leave both fields blank.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees must be greater than or equal to the
In-state Required fees.

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Room and/or Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen

A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered "Yes" to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered "No" to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year total amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within
a 20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the
beginning of Part D. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association.
Choose one of the following options:
•

•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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
No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)

Note: If your institution makes 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 conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey.

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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

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Price of Attendance

Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most
recent academic years. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so only data for the most recent academic year is
required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New institutions must report data for all four academic
years, as applicable.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic years. 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 options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the
beginning of Part F. Totals will be calculated for each academic year and living arrangement, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition. For the 201516 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Tuition is expected to be within a 20%
range of the prior year value.
The Tuition amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition
amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Required fees. For the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Required fees is expected to be within
a 40% range of the prior year value.
The Required fees amount reported for 2015-16 is expected to be within a 10% range of the corresponding
Required fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.
For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015-16
academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the current year Tuition + fees total is expected to be within
a 20% range of the prior year amount.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to the
corresponding In-district value.
If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Tuition for each year must be greater than or equal to
the corresponding In-state value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your
institution in 2014-15 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.

For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Books and supplies.
For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the reported value for Books and supplies is expected to be
within a 25% range of the prior year value.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. 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 options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $500. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses. For
the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than or equal to $400. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Form

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for less-than-2-year program tuition reporters
Overview 
Institutional Characteristics Overview
Welcome to the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component. This component collects important information about your
institution's mission, student services, and student charges.
Much of the data reported on IC appear on College Navigator, which is updated once after IC data has been finally
reviewed. Thus, errors may stay on College Navigator for a full year.
Additionally, the cost of attendance data are used to calculate the net price of attendance in the Student Financial Aid
component. This has important implications for what students see about your institution, and also for the College
Affordability and Transparency Center's lists. Revisions or changes to costs can ONLY be made in the Student
Financial Aid component and not in the prior year revision system.
Remember, it is the responsibility of the keyholder to submit accurate data about the institution. Please contact the
IPEDS Help Desk for clarifications to make sure that you are reporting correctly.
Changes to This Year’s IC Component
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.
Common Errors
Quality control reviews of past IC data indicate frequently made errors. Please review the common errors below to
ensure accurate reporting. Additional common errors or tips can be found in the New Keyholder Handbook under
Resources.
•
Question 2 should only be marked 'YES' if your institution is EXCLUSIVELY distance education. Do not mark
'YES' if your courses/programs are also available in person.
•
Do not try to outsmart fatal errors; this is falsifying data. Contact the Help Desk to override, or fix, the data.
•
Make sure you understand ALL definitions before responding to questions. For example, make sure that you
are reporting for an 'ACADEMIC YEAR' or 'PROGRAM' as defined by IPEDS.

To download the survey materials for this component: Survey Materials
To access your prior year data submission for this component: Reported Data

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education 
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 exclusively via distance education?
No
Yes

Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans 
1. Which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families?
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above
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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 - 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

Navy

Air Force

Study abroad
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) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or
programs).
Undergraduate
Graduate
The institution does not offer distance education opportunities
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You may use the space below to provide context for the alternative tuition plans 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 undergraduate students enrolled during fall 2014 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:
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%

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 2015-16

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 program

If your largest program has changed from the one listed above, or if no program
appears above, 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.
Contact Hours
Credit Hours

How is your program
measured?
Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending fulltime
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.
Amount

Prior year

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 months 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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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)
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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
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
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
clear
hours
hours
Title
3rd

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

4th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

5th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

6th

select
clear
Title

Contact
hours

Credit
hours

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

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NCES National Center for Education Statistics

2015-16 Survey Materials > Instructions

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey
Changes in Reporting
General Instructions
Context Boxes

Coverage
Where to Get Help
Where the Data Will Appear
Reporting Directions
Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education
Part B - Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
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, 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
Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.
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Changes in reporting
There were no changes implemented for the 2015-16 data collection period.

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General instructions
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.
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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.

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

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

IPEDS Resource Page
The IPEDS Resource Page (located on the IPEDS homepage) contains frequently asked questions, a link to the IPEDS
Glossary, data tip sheets, an archive of survey instruments, information on the race/ethnicity categories, and other
valuable information.
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Where the Reported 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
College Affordability and Transparency Center Website

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

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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 2,000 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; oneway 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.
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Part B - Services for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Eligible Family Members
Services and Programs for Military Servicemembers and Veterans
Indicate which of the following are offered to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families.
For the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon program, please choose this only if the Yellow Ribbon program is available at
your institution.
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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 institution limits entrance to students who have completed certain academic requirements, select the years of
study required for entry. For example, upper division only schools may require 2 years (60 credits) of study prior to
admittance, and schools that offer only graduate programs may require bachelor's degrees or 4 years 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. Use 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 undergraduate students enrolled in the time period indicated on screen 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.
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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-of-state.

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 first-time, 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 outof-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for indistrict, 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 fulltime 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 (as indicated on screen) for a full-time student sharing a
room with one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for the full
academic year (as indicated on screen) to a full-time student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room
and board charges cannot be separated.
• If your institution offers room (housing) but does not offer board, refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on board.
• If your institution offers board but does not offer room (housing), refer to your institution’s cost of attendance budgets from
your financial aid office to report an estimate of how much students would spend on room.

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 Student Financial Aid component in the
Winter. There are no 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 Student Financial Aid component in the Winter.
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 fulltime).
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).

•
•
•

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.

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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.
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Part F - Campus information
For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
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date: 8/4/2015

Glossary
Term

Definition

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.

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 for Military Training

Postsecondary credit granted by institutions to military servicemen or veterans for experiences and training gained
while in the service.

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 who are seeking a degree, certificate, or other formal award. This includes
students who:
   - received any type of federal financial aid, regardless of what courses they took at any time;
   - received any state or locally based financial aid with an eligibility requirement that the student be enrolled in a
degree, certificate, or transfer-seeking program; or
   - obtained a student visa to study at a U.S. postsecondary institution
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 (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 .

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.

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.

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.

Integrated Postsecondary
Education Data System
(IPEDS)

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the NCES, began in 1986 and involves
annual institution-level data collections. All postsecondary institutions that have a Program Participation Agreement
with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), U.S. Department of Education (throughout IPEDS referred to as
"Title IV") are required to report data using a web-based data collection system. IPEDS currently consists of the
following components: Institutional Characteristics (IC); 12-month Enrollment (E12);Completions (C); Admissions
(ADM); Student Financial Aid (SFA); Human Resources (HR) composed of Employees by Assigned Position, Fall Staff,
and Salaries; Fall Enrollment (EF); Graduation Rates (GR); Outcome Measures (OM); Finance (F); and Academic
Libraries (AL).

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.

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill

A federal education benefit program for veterans, who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. This
Department of Veteran Affairs benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits at an approved institution for
the following college costs: tuition and fees, books and supplies and housing. The tuition and fees payment, which is
the cost for an in-state student attending a public institution, is made directly to the postsecondary institution
whereas payments for books and supplies and housing are sent directly to the student.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges

A membership group of over 1,700 institutions that functions to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary
opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. It is funded by the Department of Defense through a contract with the
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

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.

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.

Title IV institution

An institution that has a written agreement with the Secretary of Education that allows the institution to participate
in any of the Title IV federal student financial assistance programs (other than the State Student Incentive Grant
(SSIG) and the National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) programs).

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 full-time 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.

Yellow Ribbon Program

A voluntary program through which participating public and private institutions can provide veterans and eligible
beneficiaries additional institutional aid to cover the costs of tuition and fees at their institutions. The Yellow Ribbon
Program is a supplementary program to the Post 9/11 GI Bill coverage of in-state tuition and fees. The Department
of Veterans Affairs matches the institutional aid provided beyond the in-state tuition and fees, but to certain limit
each year.

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2015-16 Survey Materials > FAQ

date: 8/4/2015

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) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?
4) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?
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 IC 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) 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
4) 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
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. If your institution offers unlimited number
of meals enter 99.
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, first-time 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 IC 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, 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

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2015-16 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits

date: 8/4/2015

Institutional Characteristics for Program institutions
Edit specifications for the 2015-16 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection
Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component
Applicable to program 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
Part
Part
Part

A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
C: Student Services/Disability Services
D: Student Charges

Price of Attendance

Part E: Athletic Association
Part F: Campus Price of Attendance
Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.

Mission Statement
To begin this survey, you must provide either 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.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

You must provide either a mission statement URL or a typed mission statement.
You may not enter both a mission statement URL and a typed mission statement.

Distance Education
Next, you must indicate whether all the programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education. Choose
one of the following options:
•
•

Yes
No

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Part B: Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans (NEW)
On this screen, you must indicate which of the following are available to veterans, military servicemembers, or their families:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this question.)

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Part C: Student Services and Disability Services
Special Learning Opportunities
An answer must be provided for each of the following questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

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 (If this option is selected, check all that apply.)
▪
Army
▪
Navy
▪
Air Force
◦ Study abroad
◦ Weekend/evening college
◦ Teacher certification for the elementary, middle school/junior high, or secondary level (If this option is
selected, check all that apply.)
▪
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 drop-down menu provided; 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.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
•

•

•

•

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
Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.  
◦ 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 provided.)
◦ No
Indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities (courses and/or programs). Check all
that apply.
◦ Undergraduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer
distance education opportunities.")
◦ Graduate (If this option is selected, then you are not expected to select "The institution does not offer distance
education opportunities.")
◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities (If you indicated in Part A that all of the
programs at the institution are offered via distance education, then selecting this option will cause a fatal
error.)

Disability Service
Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2014 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 the specified percentage must be between 4% and 50%,
otherwise a fatal error will occur.

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Part D: Student Charges
Charges Questions
An answer must be provided for each applicable screening question. 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.
•

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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report off-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be required to report off-campus room and board charges on the
Price of Attendance screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and has even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that the data entered in this survey does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid
survey.

•

Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose one of the
following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2015-16.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report on-campus room and board charges on
the Price of Attendance screen; or a room charge or combined room and board charge in Part D.)

•

Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students?  Choose one of the following options:
◦ 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.)
◦ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required to report a board charge or combined room and
board charge 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.
Your response to whether all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus
or in institutionally-controlled housing must be the same as reported in the prior year IC survey.
If you indicated in Part A that all programs at your institution are offered exclusively via distance education, then you
are not expected to answer Yes to offering institutionally-controlled housing.
If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity must
be between 1 and 20,000.
If "Yes - Enter the number of meals per week" is selected, then the specified number of meals per week reported
must be between 1 and  99. If meal plans are unlimited, then enter 99.

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Programs
On this screen, specify 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. 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 Program Data screen will be
required.
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Room and/or Board

Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the institutionally-controlled housing and/or the meal plan
question on the Charges Questions screen
A screen is provided for reporting the typical room and/or board charges a student can expect to pay at your institution for
the full academic year 2015-16. Dollar amounts must be provided for the following options, as applicable to your institution.
The options available to your institution depend on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part
D.

Room and Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•
•
•

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

Room
Applicable to institutions that answered “Yes” to the housing question and "No" to the meal plan question
•

Room charge (double occupancy)

Board
Applicable to institutions that answered “No” to the housing question and "Yes" to the meal plan question
•

Board charge (Maximum plan)

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.
If your institution reports a Combined room and board charge, then that amount must be greater than $1000.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Room charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
If the Room charge and Board charge are reported separately, then the Board charge is expected to be greater
than $500.
The current year amount entered for Room and Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to be within a
20% range of the Prior year total.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

•
•

If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
Institution offers
Institution offers
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
Postsecondary award,
certificate, or diploma certificate, or diploma of certificate, or diploma of
of less than one year
at least one but less
at least two but less
(less than 900 contact than two years (900 to
than four years (more
hours)
1799 contact hours)
than 1799 contact
hours)
Award Levels
reported for
your
institution in
the IC Header
survey

•
•
•
•

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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Application Fee
Next, you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.

•

For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Charges Questions at the beginning of Part D.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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.
All costs should be reported for the entire length of the 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.
First, if your institution does not enroll first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then you must 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 $150.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

Next, 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

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then the above information for the 1st largest
program offered at your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•

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).
If your institution reports duplicate CIP Codes on this screen, then the Total length of
program or Program measurement type must be 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 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

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 Number of months to complete must be greater than 0.
If a CIP Code is selected, Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, and a number greater
than 0 is entered for Number 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 Number 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 Number 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 Number
of months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

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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 all questions.
Note: For existing institutions, this information is preloaded by the system.
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.
•

Yes (If this option is selected, 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

•

No

For Question E2, you must indicate whether your institution is an NCAA or NAIA member for each of the following sports:
•

•

•

•

Football
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Basketball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Baseball
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No
Cross country and/or track
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you must specify a conference affiliation from the drop-down menu
provided.)
◦ No

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 national athletic
associations, 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 national athletic
associations, then you are expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Branch Campus Price of Attendance
Applicable to institutions with perfect children in IC
The following screens must be completed for each branch campus at your institution that enrolls full-time, first-time
degree/certificate students, according to the response given in Part D of the IC Header survey. Branch campuses that do not
enroll full-time, first-time degree/certificate students are not required to complete this section.

Branch Campus Pricing Questions
An answer must be provided for each of the following screening questions. Your response to the questions on this screen will
determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F.
•

•

Does the branch campus offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus) or meal plans to
your students? Choose one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will not be required 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 one of the following options:
◦ Yes (If this option is selected, then you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the
next screen.)
◦ No (If this option is selected, then you will be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next
screen.)
Note: If your institution makes any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living offcampus, please answer No so that this does not conflict with the Student Financial Aid survey

•

If the institution charges an application fee, then indicate the amount.

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.
The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $150.
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.
If the Prior year value is greater than 0, and an amount greater than 0 is entered for the current year value, then the
application fee reported in the current year is expected to be within a 50% range of the Prior year amount.

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Price of Attendance
Applicable to branch campuses with full-time, first-time enrollment
On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the
largest program at your institution. All of the following screens must be completed.
For existing institutions that have not changed their largest program, the prior year values are preloaded by the system so
only data for the most recent academic year is required. Preloaded values will not be subject to the edit checks below. New
institutions and existing institutions that changed their largest program must report data for all four academic years, as
applicable.

Largest Program
First, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by providing 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.
You must provide the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
•

CIP Code
Program measurement 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 length of academic year in WEEKS

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

You must select a CIP Code.
You must specify the Program measurement method.
The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total
length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.
If Credit hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be between 12 and 40 times the Total length of program in weeks.
If Contact hours is selected for 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
of at least one but less
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
3600

If Contact hours is selected for the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in hours
must be within a range of.5 and 1.6 times the Total length of program in 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.

Cost of Attendance
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), you must provide published
Tuition and fees charges for the entire length of the largest program, as well as the average cost of Books and supplies a
typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire program.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to be reported for Tuition and fees. 
For each academic year, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be greater than $500. For the 2015
-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Tuition and fees is expected to be
within a 20% range of the prior year value.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, a value is expected to 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 the
2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For academic years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to
be within a 25% range of the prior year value.
For each academic year, if the amount of Room and board and Other expenses is greater than 0, then amount
entered for Tuition + fees total is also expected to be greater than 0.

Room and board and Other expenses
For each of the four most recent academic years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16), 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. The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or all of Oncampus, Off-campus (not with family), and Off-campus (with family). The options available to your institution depend
on the responses given to the Pricing Questions at the beginning of Part F.
Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and
academic years. Totals will be calculated for each living arrangement and academic year combination, where applicable.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Room and board.
For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be between $300 and $2000. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the current year Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.
For academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15, a value is expected to be reported for Other expenses.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be greater than $50. For the 2015-16 academic year, this error is fatal.
For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected to
be less than or equal to $250.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus is greater than
$400, then a fatal error will occur.
For academic year 2015-16, if the Other expenses amount reported for students living Off-campus is greater than
$700, then a fatal error will occur.
For each academic year, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is
expected to be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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