Institutional Characteristics (IC)
Institutional characteristics are collected through two survey components: Institutional Characteristics Header and Institutional Characteristics. Institutional characteristics data are the foundation of the entire IPEDS system.
Data collected include:
- Basic institutional contact information;
- Student services information;
- Tuition/fees and other student charges;
- Control or affiliation;
- Type of calendar system; and
- Levels of awards and types of programs offered.
Data Presentation
Graphics
Source: IPEDS 2020-21 Fall surveys, Data Release Web tables, Institutional Characteristics component (provisional data),
Table 1
Other Resources
- Mapping Old Post-Baccalaureate Award Levels with New Levels
- College Affordability and Transparency Center Lists
- College Navigator
- Reporting Study Abroad Students
- The History and Origins of Survey Items (2022–23 Update)
- Distance Education in IPEDS
- Timing of IPEDS Data Collection
- Measuring Success in IPEDS
- Student Cohorts and Subgroups in IPEDS
- Institutional Groupings in IPEDS: Considerations for Data Use and Analysis
Survey Materials
Survey Forms
Glossary
Training and Tutorials
Videos
- Provides an overview of the survey component
- Discusses the reporting of distance education data
- Discusses how costs and net price are calculated for program reporting institutions in IPEDS
- Discusses first-time degree or certificate-seeking students
- Discusses how to report cost of attendance data in IPEDS.
- Explains the difference between tuition and price of attendance.
- Provides an overview of the survey component
- Discusses how to create an IPEDS reporting map for additional institution locations
- Explains institutional control and its impact on other IPEDS survey components
- Explains the difference between academic and program reporters.
- Explains open admission policies
