ED Proposes Major Expansion of Postsecondary Data Collection
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has proposed a significant expansion of data collection on postsecondary institutions, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion. The proposal, if implemented, will require selective four-year institutions to provide detailed, race- and sex-disaggregated data on applicants, admits, and enrollees, spanning six years (2020-21 through 2025-26).
The data to be collected is extensive and includes GPA quintiles, standardized test scores, application round, family income, Pell Grant eligibility, first-generation status, financial aid offered and received, graduation outcomes, and other admissions factors. Institutions will also be required to report graduate program data by field of study (CIP code).
ED anticipates heightened enforcement and audits, focusing on Title VI compliance. Institutions are advised to review their ACTS (Articulation, Transfer, and Completion) requirements, assess their data readiness, and prepare for increased scrutiny. The department estimates the collection and processing will require over 740,000 total burden hours.
Public comments on the proposal have revealed broad support for increased transparency. However, there is strong opposition to the specifics of the proposal, with concerns raised about the burden it may place on institutions and potential privacy issues.
Covered institutions have until October 14, 2025, to submit their public comments on the proposal. ED is also seeking input on the scope and definitions of covered entities. If implemented, these changes will provide a more comprehensive picture of postsecondary education, potentially influencing policy and institutional practices. However, institutions must prepare for the significant data collection and reporting requirements.
