Institutional Characteristics

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System 

(IPEDS)

This IPEDS Institutional Characteristics data collection instrument was

used during the 2012-13 data collection and will be used again during

the 2013-14 data collection. Changes to the IPEDS Institutional 

Characteristics component starting with the 2014-15 data collection are 

reflected on the next page.
Changes IPEDS to Institutional Characteristics Component, 2014-15

Additions to Institutional Characteristics component

For all institutions:

Which of the following are available to veterans, military service members, or 

their families?

 Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program

 Credit for military training

 Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service 

members, and their families

 Recognized student veteran organization

 Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges

 None of the above

URL for tuition policies specifically related to veterans and military service 

members

For degree-granting institutions only:

What were your annual total library 

expenditures for FY2014?* 

 

* If library expenditures = 0, there is no additional Academic Libraries reporting. If library expenditures > 

0, institutions will report Section I of the Academic Libraries component. If library expenditures ≥ 

100,000, institutions will also report Section II of the Academic Libraries component.

Deletions to Institutional Characteristics Component

For all institutions:

Delete Part B, Estimated Fall Enrollment

Move Part B, Question 2 (Admissions Considerations), and 3 and 4 (Selection Process) to the new 

Admissions component, to be collected in the Winter collection. All institutions will report on Fall 2014.
2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for 4-year academic year tuition reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
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Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time degree/certificateseeking undergraduate-level students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

undergraduate selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
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Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who applied, who were

admitted, and who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available.

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected

fall reporting period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students,

provide the number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th

and 75th percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for

the most recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY

Enrollment

Part-time PT PY

Enrollment

Total

Undergraduate (academic or occupational

programs)

 

  

Of undergraduates, those who are first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students

 

  

Graduate 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

Army                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
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Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

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

Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D11).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

2. Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, or out-of-state students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report tuition amounts for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state

students.

Please only select Yes if you really charge different tuition rates, or you will be reporting the same numbers 3 times.

No

Yes

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Undergraduate Student Charges 

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

Amount Prior year

Undergraduate application fee 

5. Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

Please be sure to report an average tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).

In-district Prior year In-state Prior year Out-of-state Prior year

All full-time undergraduates

Average tuition 

Required fees 

6. Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Please be sure to report an average per credit tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).

In-district Prior year In-state Prior year Out-of-state Prior year

Per credit hour charge 
Part D - Graduate Student Charges 

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

                      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 2012-13

In-district 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 Prior year In-state Prior year Out-of-state Prior year

Per credit hour charge 
Part D - Student Charges - Graduate, Doctor's Professional Practice Tuition 

9. List the typical tuition and required fees for a full-time doctor's - professional practice student in any of the

selected programs for the full academic year 2012-13.

DO NOT include room and board charges

Doctor's degree - professional practice In-state Out-of-state

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
Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board 

. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?

If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.

If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the

room and board charges blank.

Room and board charges Amount Prior year

Room charge (Double occupancy) 

Board charge (Maximum plan) 

Combined room and board charge

(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

 
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

11. Cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate students:

Please enter the amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator. If

your institution participates in any Title IV programs (Pell, Stafford, etc.), you must complete all information. Estimates of

expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of Attendance report

used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid office to get these

numbers, to ensure that you are reporting correctly.

 

 If the 2012-13 tuition and/or fees as reported on this page for full-time, first-time students are covered by a tuition

guarantee program, check the applicable box(es) under 'Tuition Guarantee'. Additionally, please indicate the maximum

% increase that is guaranteed. These numbers are expected to be fairly small. Please contact the Help Desk if you are

confused about these values and how to report them.

Charges for full

academic year

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Published tuition and required fees: Tuition Guarantee

(check only if applicable to

entering students in 2012-

13)

Guaranteed

increase %

In-district

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY tuition + fees

total

 

In-state

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY tuition + fees

total

 

Out-of-state

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY 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 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Part E - Athletic Association 

1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?

No

Yes - Check all that apply

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

National Christian College Athletic Association

(NCCAA)                              

Other

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull

down menu.

Sport NCAA or NAIA member Conference

Football No Yes-Specify

  

Basketball No Yes-Specify

  

Baseball No Yes-Specify

  

Cross country and/or track No Yes-Specify

  

Select One

Select One

Select One

Select One
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
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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 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student

college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language

(TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the

final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an

explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Academic

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to academic reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

• An indication of whether your institution's programs are all offered via distance education. 

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Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if a Secondary School Record is the

only required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscoresis expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2011 for each of the following categories:

• Students in academic or occupational programs

• Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

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Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

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Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report charges for each of the above listed tuition rates throughout

Part D.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Undergraduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a

Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year

amount is displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the

Average tuition and Required fees charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students for the full

academic year 2012-13. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only

be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer

to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

• Values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.

• The sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be greater than 0.

• The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to

the In-district Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Required fees reported.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the

Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to

include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at

your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions

screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.

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

• The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Undergraduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined

tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year

amount is displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a

Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Comprehensive fee charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13.

Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students.

Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

• The Comprehensive fee reported must be greater than 0.

• The Comprehensive fee reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a

Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only

be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.

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

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

• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Graduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with graduate student enrollment

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for graduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students

Full-time Graduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide both the

Average Tuition and Required fees charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13. The tuition

rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may be only one rate for all full-time graduate

students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges

Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of full-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:

• The Average tuition reported must be greater than 0.

• The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to

the In-district Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Required fees reported.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-time Graduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time graduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the Per

credit hour charge to these students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or

there may be only one rate for all part-time graduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

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

• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Doctor’s Professional Practice Tuition

Applicable to institutions that indicated in the IC Header survey that they offer the “Doctor’s Degree – Professional

Practice” award level

On this screen, you must provide the typical Tuition amount and Required fees charged to full-time students that are

enrolled in any of the following programs at your institution for the full academic year 2012-13:

• Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)

• Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)

• Medicine (M.D.)

• Optometry (O.D.)

• Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

• Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

• Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)

• Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

• Law (J.D.)

The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-state and Out-of-state, or there may be only one rate for all Doctor’s Degree –

Professional Practice students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported

amount.

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

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

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

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, 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.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge
Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive

fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,

and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available

options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic

years. The PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Tuition.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.

• The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition amount

entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• The Required fees amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Required

fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range

of the prior year value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current

and prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.

• If the PY tuition + fees total in the 2009-10 column is greater than 0, then the current year Tuition + fees

total reported for 2009-10 must be within a 20% range of that value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%

range of the prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any

year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any

year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In

-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your

institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If

you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the

Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

• If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are

expected to report a Tuition Guarantee for each applicable tuition rate on this screen; and vice versa.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay

for the entire academic year, for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.
• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• The Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus must be within a 10% range of the total

amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) on the Room and Board screen of

this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined

tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide the published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• The Comprehensive fee amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding

Comprehensive fee amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee amount reported must be

within a 20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

Next, use the checkbox provided to indicate whether the comprehensive fee amount for entering students at your institution in

2012-13 is covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition

Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

• If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are

expected to report a Tuition Guarantee on this screen; and vice versa.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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 both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,

and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available

options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic

years. PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.

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

• The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be greater than 0.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range of

the prior year value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%

range of the prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any

year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any

year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In

-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your

institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If

you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the

Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay

for the entire academic year for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts for both Room and board and Other expenses must be provided for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top
2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for 4-year program tuition reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time degree/certificateseeking undergraduate-level students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

undergraduate selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who applied, who were

admitted, and who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available.

Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected

fall reporting period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students,

provide the number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th

and 75th percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for

the most recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY

Enrollment

Part-time PT PY

Enrollment

Total

Undergraduate (academic or occupational

programs)

 

  

Of undergraduates, those who are first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students

 

  

Graduate 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

Army                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
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Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

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

Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D7).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs 

5. How many programs are offered at your institution?

Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the

definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.

    Number of programs

                                         
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

7. Cost of attendance for entering students

Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.

Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of

Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid

office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.

 

Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell

budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price

calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.

LARGEST PROGRAM:

CIP Code

Title

Enter new largest

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.

How is your

program

measured?

Contact Hours Credit Hours

Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or

credit hours

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS

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

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 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be

available from your financial aid office.

Published student charges for the entire

program

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees for the entire

program

 

Books and supplies for the entire program 

The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).

The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs

for your area, not on national averages.

On campus:

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values 

7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values

Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make

sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.

CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

Published student charges for the entire program 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            

Published student charges for an academic year

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            
Part D - Student Charges - Program Data 

8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each

program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from

the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of

books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in

terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the

entire program.

Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.

Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of

the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.

Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.

CIP Code Tuition and

required fees

Cost of

books and

supplies

Total length

of program

Program

Measurement

# of months to

complete

1st             Contact

hours

Credit

hours

  

Title   

2nd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

3rd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

4th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

5th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

6th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board 

. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?

If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.

If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the

room and board charges blank.

Room and board charges Amount Prior year

Room charge (Double occupancy) 

Board charge (Maximum plan) 

Combined room and board charge

(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

 
Part E - Athletic Association 

1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?

No

Yes - Check all that apply

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

National Christian College Athletic Association

(NCCAA)                              

Other

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull

down menu.

Sport NCAA or NAIA member Conference

Football No Yes-Specify

  

Basketball No Yes-Specify

  

Baseball No Yes-Specify

  

Cross country and/or track No Yes-Specify

  

Select One

Select One

Select One

Select One
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
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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 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student

college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language

(TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the

final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an

explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to program reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

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

Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only

required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public

and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

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

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

Top

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

Top

Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs

On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full

programs, not single courses.

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

• The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be

required.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,

room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:
Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater

than $50.

• For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus

must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,

and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data

Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.

On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using

the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.

For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program

with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at

your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.

For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Tuition and required fees

• Cost of books and supplies

• Total length of program

• Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Number of months to complete

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

• You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of

this survey (up to 6 programs).

• Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
• A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:

◦ Tuition and required fees

◦ Cost of books and supplies

◦ Total length of program

• If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award

levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number

greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a

certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months

to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top

Part E: Athletic Association

Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions

On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer

must be provided for both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

• Other

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track
If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Total length of program

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic

years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for degree-granting 2-year program tuition reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and

who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early

decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting

period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the

number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th

percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most

recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior

to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY Enroll

-

ment

Part-time PT PY Enroll

-

ment

Total

Students in academic or occupational

programs

 

  

Number of students reported above who are

first-time students

 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

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

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

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

Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D7).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs 

5. How many programs are offered at your institution?

Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the

definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.

    Number of programs

                                         
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

7. Cost of attendance for entering students

Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.

Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of

Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid

office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.

 

Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell

budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price

calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.

LARGEST PROGRAM:

CIP Code

Title

Enter new largest

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.

How is your

program

measured?

Contact Hours Credit Hours

Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or

credit hours

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS

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

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 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be

available from your financial aid office.

Published student charges for the entire

program

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees for the entire

program

 

Books and supplies for the entire program 

The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).

The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs

for your area, not on national averages.

On campus:

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values 

7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values

Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make

sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.

CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

Published student charges for the entire program 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            

Published student charges for an academic year

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            
Part D - Student Charges - Program Data 

8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each

program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from

the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of

books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in

terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the

entire program.

Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.

Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of

the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.

Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.

CIP Code Tuition and

required fees

Cost of

books and

supplies

Total length

of program

Program

Measurement

# of months to

complete

1st             Contact

hours

Credit

hours

  

Title   

2nd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

3rd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

4th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

5th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

6th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board 

. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?

If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.

If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the

room and board charges blank.

Room and board charges Amount Prior year

Room charge (Double occupancy) 

Board charge (Maximum plan) 

Combined room and board charge

(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

 
Part E - Athletic Association 

1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?

No

Yes - Check all that apply

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

National Christian College Athletic Association

(NCCAA)                              

Other

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull

down menu.

Sport NCAA or NAIA member Conference

Football No Yes-Specify

  

Basketball No Yes-Specify

  

Baseball No Yes-Specify

  

Cross country and/or track No Yes-Specify

  

Select One

Select One

Select One

Select One
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
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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 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student

college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language

(TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the

final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an

explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to program reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

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

Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only

required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public

and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

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

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

Top

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

Top

Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs

On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full

programs, not single courses.

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

• The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be

required.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,

room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:
Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater

than $50.

• For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus

must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,

and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data

Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.

On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using

the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.

For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program

with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at

your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.

For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Tuition and required fees

• Cost of books and supplies

• Total length of program

• Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Number of months to complete

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

• You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of

this survey (up to 6 programs).

• Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
• A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:

◦ Tuition and required fees

◦ Cost of books and supplies

◦ Total length of program

• If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award

levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number

greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a

certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months

to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top

Part E: Athletic Association

Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions

On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer

must be provided for both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

• Other

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track
If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Total length of program

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic

years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for degree-granting 2-year program tuition reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and

who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early

decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting

period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the

number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th

percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most

recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior

to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY Enroll

-

ment

Part-time PT PY Enroll

-

ment

Total

Students in academic or occupational

programs

 

  

Number of students reported above who are

first-time students

 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

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

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

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

Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D7).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs 

5. How many programs are offered at your institution?

Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the

definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.

    Number of programs

                                         
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

7. Cost of attendance for entering students

Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.

Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of

Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid

office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.

 

Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell

budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price

calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.

LARGEST PROGRAM:

CIP Code

Title

Enter new largest

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.

How is your

program

measured?

Contact Hours Credit Hours

Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or

credit hours

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS

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

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 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be

available from your financial aid office.

Published student charges for the entire

program

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees for the entire

program

 

Books and supplies for the entire program 

The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).

The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs

for your area, not on national averages.

On campus:

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values 

7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values

Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make

sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.

CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

Published student charges for the entire program 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            

Published student charges for an academic year

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            
Part D - Student Charges - Program Data 

8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each

program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from

the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of

books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in

terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the

entire program.

Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.

Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of

the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.

Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.

CIP Code Tuition and

required fees

Cost of

books and

supplies

Total length

of program

Program

Measurement

# of months to

complete

1st             Contact

hours

Credit

hours

  

Title   

2nd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

3rd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

4th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

5th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

6th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above.
Part D - Student Charges - Room and Board 

. What are the typical room and board charges for a student for the full academic year 2012-13?

If your institution offers room or board at no charge to students, enter zero.

If you report room and board separately, leave the combined charge blank. If you report a combined charge, leave the

room and board charges blank.

Room and board charges Amount Prior year

Room charge (Double occupancy) 

Board charge (Maximum plan) 

Combined room and board charge

(Answer only if you CANNOT separate room and board charges.)

 
Part E - Athletic Association 

1. Is this institution a member of a national athletic association?

No

Yes - Check all that apply

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

National Christian College Athletic Association

(NCCAA)                              

Other

2. If this institution is a member of the NCAA or NAIA, specify the conference FOR EACH SPORT using the pull

down menu.

Sport NCAA or NAIA member Conference

Football No Yes-Specify

  

Basketball No Yes-Specify

  

Baseball No Yes-Specify

  

Cross country and/or track No Yes-Specify

  

Select One

Select One

Select One

Select One
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
 Image description. Top of Page End of image description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement

Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where

the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student

college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language

(TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the

final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an

explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to program reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

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

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Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only

required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public

and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

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

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

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Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

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Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs

On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full

programs, not single courses.

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

• The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be

required.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,

room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:
Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater

than $50.

• For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus

must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,

and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data

Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.

On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using

the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.

For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program

with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at

your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.

For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Tuition and required fees

• Cost of books and supplies

• Total length of program

• Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Number of months to complete

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

• You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of

this survey (up to 6 programs).

• Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
• A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:

◦ Tuition and required fees

◦ Cost of books and supplies

◦ Total length of program

• If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award

levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number

greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a

certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months

to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top

Part E: Athletic Association

Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions

On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer

must be provided for both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

• Other

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track
If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Total length of program

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic

years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for less than 2-year academic year tuition reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and

who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early

decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting

period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the

number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th

percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most

recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior

to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY Enroll

-

ment

Part-time PT PY Enroll

-

ment

Total

Students in academic or occupational

programs

 

  

Number of students reported above who are

first-time students

 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

Army                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
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Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

parents.
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Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D11).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

2. Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, or out-of-state students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report tuition amounts for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state

students.

Please only select Yes if you really charge different tuition rates, or you will be reporting the same numbers 3 times.

No

Yes

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Undergraduate Student Charges 

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

Amount Prior year

Application fee 

5. Charges to full-time students for the full academic year 2012-13

Please be sure to report an average tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).

In-district Prior year In-state Prior year Out-of-state Prior year

All full-time students

Average tuition 

Required fees 

6. Per credit hour charge for part-time students

Please be sure to report an average per credit tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).

In-district Prior year In-state Prior year Out-of-state Prior year

Per credit hour charge 
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

11. Cost of attendance for full-time, first-time students:

Please enter the amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator. If

your institution participates in any Title IV programs (Pell, Stafford, etc.), you must complete all information. Estimates of

expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of Attendance report

used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid office to get these

numbers, to ensure that you are reporting correctly.

 

 If the 2012-13 tuition and/or fees as reported on this page for full-time, first-time students are covered by a tuition

guarantee program, check the applicable box(es) under 'Tuition Guarantee'. Additionally, please indicate the maximum

% increase that is guaranteed. These numbers are expected to be fairly small. Please contact the Help Desk if you are

confused about these values and how to report them.

Charges for full

academic year

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Published tuition and required fees: Tuition Guarantee

(check only if applicable to

entering students in 2012-

13)

Guaranteed

increase %

In-district

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY tuition + fees

total

 

In-state

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY tuition + fees

total

 

Out-of-state

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY 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 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
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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 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student

college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language

(TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the

final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an

explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Academic

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to academic reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

• An indication of whether your institution's programs are all offered via distance education. 

Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if a Secondary School Record is the

only required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscoresis expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2011 for each of the following categories:

• Students in academic or occupational programs

• Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

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Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

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Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report charges for each of the above listed tuition rates throughout

Part D.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Undergraduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a

Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year

amount is displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the

Average tuition and Required fees charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students for the full

academic year 2012-13. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only

be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer

to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

• Values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.

• The sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be greater than 0.

• The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to

the In-district Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Required fees reported.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the

Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to

include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at

your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions

screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.

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

• The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Undergraduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined

tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year

amount is displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a

Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Comprehensive fee charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13.

Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students.

Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

• The Comprehensive fee reported must be greater than 0.

• The Comprehensive fee reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a

Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only

be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.

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

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

• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Graduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with graduate student enrollment

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for graduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students

Full-time Graduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide both the

Average Tuition and Required fees charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13. The tuition

rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may be only one rate for all full-time graduate

students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges

Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of full-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:

• The Average tuition reported must be greater than 0.

• The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to

the In-district Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Required fees reported.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-time Graduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time graduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the Per

credit hour charge to these students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or

there may be only one rate for all part-time graduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

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

• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Doctor’s Professional Practice Tuition

Applicable to institutions that indicated in the IC Header survey that they offer the “Doctor’s Degree – Professional

Practice” award level

On this screen, you must provide the typical Tuition amount and Required fees charged to full-time students that are

enrolled in any of the following programs at your institution for the full academic year 2012-13:

• Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)

• Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)

• Medicine (M.D.)

• Optometry (O.D.)

• Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

• Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

• Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)

• Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

• Law (J.D.)

The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-state and Out-of-state, or there may be only one rate for all Doctor’s Degree –

Professional Practice students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported

amount.

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

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

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

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, 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.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge
Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive

fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,

and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available

options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic

years. The PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Tuition.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.

• The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition amount

entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• The Required fees amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Required

fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range

of the prior year value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current

and prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.

• If the PY tuition + fees total in the 2009-10 column is greater than 0, then the current year Tuition + fees

total reported for 2009-10 must be within a 20% range of that value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%

range of the prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any

year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any

year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In

-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your

institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If

you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the

Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

• If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are

expected to report a Tuition Guarantee for each applicable tuition rate on this screen; and vice versa.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay

for the entire academic year, for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.
• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• The Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus must be within a 10% range of the total

amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) on the Room and Board screen of

this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined

tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide the published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• The Comprehensive fee amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding

Comprehensive fee amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee amount reported must be

within a 20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

Next, use the checkbox provided to indicate whether the comprehensive fee amount for entering students at your institution in

2012-13 is covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition

Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

• If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are

expected to report a Tuition Guarantee on this screen; and vice versa.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top

Part E: Athletic Association

Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions

On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer

must be provided for both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,

and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available

options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic

years. PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.

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

• The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be greater than 0.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range of

the prior year value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%

range of the prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any

year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any

year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In

-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your

institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If

you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the

Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay

for the entire academic year for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts for both Room and board and Other expenses must be provided for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Top
2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for less than 2-year program tuition reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and

who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early

decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting

period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the

number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th

percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most

recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior

to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY Enroll

-

ment

Part-time PT PY Enroll

-

ment

Total

Students in academic or occupational

programs

 

  

Number of students reported above who are

first-time students

 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

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

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

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

Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D7).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs 

5. How many programs are offered at your institution?

Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the

definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.

    Number of programs

                                         
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

7. Cost of attendance for entering students

Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.

Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of

Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid

office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.

 

Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell

budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price

calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.

LARGEST PROGRAM:

CIP Code

Title

Enter new largest

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.

How is your

program

measured?

Contact Hours Credit Hours

Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or

credit hours

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS

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

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 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be

available from your financial aid office.

Published student charges for the entire

program

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees for the entire

program

 

Books and supplies for the entire program 

The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).

The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs

for your area, not on national averages.

On campus:

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values 

7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values

Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make

sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.

CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

Published student charges for the entire program 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            

Published student charges for an academic year

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            
Part D - Student Charges - Program Data 

8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each

program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from

the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of

books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in

terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the

entire program.

Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.

Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of

the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.

Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.

CIP Code Tuition and

required fees

Cost of

books and

supplies

Total length

of program

Program

Measurement

# of months to

complete

1st             Contact

hours

Credit

hours

  

Title   

2nd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

3rd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

4th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

5th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

6th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

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

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
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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 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the

student college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language (TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and

the final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often

include an explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to program reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

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

Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only

required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public

and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

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

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

Top

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

Top

Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs

On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full

programs, not single courses.

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

• The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be

required.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,

room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:
Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater

than $50.

• For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus

must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,

and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data

Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.

On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using

the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.

For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program

with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at

your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.

For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Tuition and required fees

• Cost of books and supplies

• Total length of program

• Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Number of months to complete

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

• You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of

this survey (up to 6 programs).

• Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
• A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:

◦ Tuition and required fees

◦ Cost of books and supplies

◦ Total length of program

• If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award

levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number

greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a

certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months

to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top

Part E: Athletic Association

Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions

On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer

must be provided for both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

• Other

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track
If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Total length of program

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic

years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for non-degree-granting 2-year academic year

tuition reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and

who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early

decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting

period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the

number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th

percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most

recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior

to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY Enroll

-

ment

Part-time PT PY Enroll

-

ment

Total

Students in academic or occupational

programs

 

  

Number of students reported above who are

first-time students

 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

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

Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

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

Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D11).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

2. Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, or out-of-state students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report tuition amounts for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state

students.

Please only select Yes if you really charge different tuition rates, or you will be reporting the same numbers 3 times.

No

Yes

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Undergraduate Student Charges 

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

Amount Prior year

Application fee 

5. Charges to full-time students for the full academic year 2012-13

Please be sure to report an average tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).

In-district Prior year In-state Prior year Out-of-state Prior year

All full-time students

Average tuition 

Required fees 

6. Per credit hour charge for part-time students

Please be sure to report an average per credit tuition that includes all students at all levels (freshman, sophomore, etc.).

In-district Prior year In-state Prior year Out-of-state Prior year

Per credit hour charge 
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

11. Cost of attendance for full-time, first-time students:

Please enter the amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator. If

your institution participates in any Title IV programs (Pell, Stafford, etc.), you must complete all information. Estimates of

expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of Attendance report

used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid office to get these

numbers, to ensure that you are reporting correctly.

 

 If the 2012-13 tuition and/or fees as reported on this page for full-time, first-time students are covered by a tuition

guarantee program, check the applicable box(es) under 'Tuition Guarantee'. Additionally, please indicate the maximum

% increase that is guaranteed. These numbers are expected to be fairly small. Please contact the Help Desk if you are

confused about these values and how to report them.

Charges for full

academic year

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Published tuition and required fees: Tuition Guarantee

(check only if applicable to

entering students in 2012-

13)

Guaranteed

increase %

In-district

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY tuition + fees

total

 

In-state

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY tuition + fees

total

 

Out-of-state

Tuition 

Required fees 

Tuition + fees

total

 

  

PY 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 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
 Image description. Top of Page End of image description.

Reporting Directions

Part A – Mission Statement and Distance Education

Mission Statement

Provide your institution's mission statement or a web address (please begin with http:// or https://) where

the statement can be found. Typed statements are limited to 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student

college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language

(TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the

final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an

explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Academic

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to academic reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

• An indication of whether your institution's programs are all offered via distance education. 

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Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if a Secondary School Record is the

only required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scoresis expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscoresis expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2011 for each of the following categories:

• Students in academic or occupational programs

• Number of students in academic or occupational programs who are first-time students
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

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Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

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Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution charge different tuition for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report charges for each of the above listed tuition rates throughout

Part D.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.
◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Undergraduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with full-time and/or part-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a

Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year

amount is displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the

Average tuition and Required fees charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students for the full

academic year 2012-13. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only

be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer

to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

• Values must be reported for both Average tuition and Required fees.

• The sum of the values entered for Average tuition plus Required fees must be greater than 0.

• The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to

the In-district Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Required fees reported.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the

Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to

include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at

your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions

screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.

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

• The Per credit hour charge reported must be greater than 0.
• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Undergraduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined

tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year

amount is displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time undergraduate students

Full-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a

Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Comprehensive fee charged to full-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students for the full academic year 2012-13.

Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that includes all levels of full-time undergraduate students.

Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

• The Comprehensive fee reported must be greater than 0.

• The Comprehensive fee reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

Part-Time Undergraduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time undergraduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time undergraduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey) and charges a

Comprehensive fee, then you must provide the Per credit hour charge to part-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may only

be one tuition rate for all part-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time undergraduate students. Prior year amounts are provided for your reference.

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

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

• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Graduate Student Charges

Applicable to institutions with graduate student enrollment

On this screen, start by reporting the amount your institution charges for graduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is expected in

the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

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

• Charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13

• Per credit hour charge for part-time graduate students

Full-time Graduate Students

Applicable to institutions with full-time graduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls full-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide both the

Average Tuition and Required fees charges to full-time graduate students for the full academic year 2012-13. The tuition

rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or there may be only one rate for all full-time graduate

students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges

Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of full-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.
The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each applicable tuition rate:

• The Average tuition reported must be greater than 0.

• The Average tuition reported is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• The Required fees reported are expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or equal to

the In-district Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Average tuition rate must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Average tuition rate.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Required fees reported must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Required fees reported.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Required fees reported must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Required fees reported.

Part-time Graduate Students

Applicable to institutions with part-time graduate enrollment

If your institution enrolls part-time graduate students (as reported in the IC Header survey), then you must provide the Per

credit hour charge to these students. The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state, and Out-of-state; or

there may be only one rate for all part-time graduate students at your institution. The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Be sure that any charges reported represent an average tuition that

includes all levels of part-time graduate students. Prior year amounts are displayed for your reference.

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

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

• The current year Per credit hour charge is expected to be within a 20% range of the corresponding Prior year

amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the In-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or equal

to the In-district Per credit hour charge.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, then the Out-of-state Per credit hour charge must be greater than or

equal to the In-state Per credit hour charge.

Doctor’s Professional Practice Tuition

Applicable to institutions that indicated in the IC Header survey that they offer the “Doctor’s Degree – Professional

Practice” award level

On this screen, you must provide the typical Tuition amount and Required fees charged to full-time students that are

enrolled in any of the following programs at your institution for the full academic year 2012-13:

• Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)

• Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)

• Medicine (M.D.)

• Optometry (O.D.)

• Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

• Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

• Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)

• Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

• Law (J.D.)

The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-state and Out-of-state, or there may be only one rate for all Doctor’s Degree –

Professional Practice students at your institution. The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for all applicable tuition rates. Room and board charges should NOT be included in the reported

amount.

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

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

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

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, 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.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge
Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive

fee (combined tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,

and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available

options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic

years. The PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Tuition.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.

• The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Tuition amount

entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• The Required fees amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding Required

fees amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range

of the prior year value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current

and prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.

• If the PY tuition + fees total in the 2009-10 column is greater than 0, then the current year Tuition + fees

total reported for 2009-10 must be within a 20% range of that value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%

range of the prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any

year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any

year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In

-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your

institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If

you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the

Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

• If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are

expected to report a Tuition Guarantee for each applicable tuition rate on this screen; and vice versa.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay

for the entire academic year, for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.
• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• The Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus must be within a 10% range of the total

amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) on the Room and Board screen of

this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time undergraduate enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined

tuition, fees, room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide the published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• The Comprehensive fee amount reported for 2012-13 must be within a 10% range of the corresponding

Comprehensive fee amount entered on the Undergraduate Student Charges screen of this survey.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee amount reported must be

within a 20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

Next, use the checkbox provided to indicate whether the comprehensive fee amount for entering students at your institution in

2012-13 is covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition

Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

• If the Tuition guarantee box is checked on the Student Services screen in Part C of this survey, then you are

expected to report a Tuition Guarantee on this screen; and vice versa.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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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 both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track

If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

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Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

On this screen, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The tuition rates shown may vary to include In-district, In-state,

and Out-of-state; or there may only be one tuition rate for all full-time undergraduate students at your institution. The available

options will depend on your answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for published Tuition and Required fees charges for all applicable tuition rates and academic

years. PY tuition + fees total amounts for each academic year are displayed for your reference.

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

• The Tuition amount reported for 2012-13 must be greater than 0.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Required fees.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition must be within a 20% range of

the prior year value.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Required fees, then the current year value must be within a 40% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, the calculated Tuition + fees total must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Tuition + fees total must be within a 20%

range of the prior year amount.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-district Tuition for any

year, then the In-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding Indistrict value.

• If tuition rates vary for your institution, and a number greater than 0 is entered for In-state Tuition for any

year, then the Out-of-state Tuition for that year is expected to be greater than or equal to the corresponding In

-state value.

Next, use the checkboxes provided to indicate whether the Tuition and/or Required fees for entering students at your

institution in 2012-13 are covered by a Tuition Guarantee plan. Checkboxes are provided for each applicable tuition rate. If

you check the box to indicate that your institution offers a Tuition Guarantee plan, you will also be expected to enter the

Guaranteed increase %.

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

• If you check the box to indicate that your institution offers Tuition Guarantee plan, then you must also enter a

Guaranteed increase %; and vice versa.

• The Guaranteed increase % reported must be less than or equal to 100%.

Additionally, you must enter the average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay

for the entire academic year for each of the above listed academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13).

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

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Books and supplies is expected to be greater than $100.
• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts for both Room and board and Other expenses must be provided for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics for non-degree-granting 2-year program tuition

reporters

Part A - Mission Statement 

1. Provide the institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be

found. Typed statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less. The mission statement will be available to the

public on College Navigator.

Mission Statement URL:

Please begin URL with "http://" or "https://"

Mission Statement

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

    Yes

No                                                                                
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description.

Part B - Admissions and Estimated Enrollment 

1. Does your institution have an open admission policy for all or most entering first-time students?

If the only requirement for admission is a high school diploma or GED/other equivalent, your institution is still considered

open admission. Institutions that require only an Ability to Benefit or similar test beyond the diploma/equivalent, and only

reject a very small number of students based on the test, are also considered open admission.

If your institution does not have an open admission policy, you will be expected to answer additional questions (B2, B3,

and B4) regarding your admissions procedures and admissions yield.

    Yes

No                                                                                

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

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

parents.
Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Admission Considerations 

2. Please select the option that best describes how your institution uses any of the following data in its

selection process.

Admission Considerations RequiredRecommended Neither Required

nor Recommended

Don't

Know

Secondary school GPA

Secondary school rank

Secondary school record

Completion of college-preparatory program

Recommendations

Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios,

certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

Admission test scores

SAT / ACT

Other Test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Note: If this is the only requirement other than a diploma or

equivalent, and few students are not admitted due to this test,

please return to question 1 and indicate that your institution is

open admission.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
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Part B - Admission Requirements and Services - Selection Process 

3. Provide the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, who were admitted, and

who enrolled (either full- or part-time) at your institution for the most recent Fall period available. Include early

decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting

period.

Remember that this question is only applicable to first-time students, do not include other students in these totals.

Only report students at levels that you indicated were offered in the IC Header. If you made an error in the IC Header,

please call the IPEDS Help Desk and correct your error.

Select reporting period: Fall 2011 Fall 2012

Men Women Total

Number of applicants

Number of admissions

Number (of admitted) that enrolled fulltime

Number (of admitted) that enrolled parttime

Total enrolled full-time and part-time         

Percent of admissions enrolled full-time

and part-time

        

4. If test scores are required for admission for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students, provide the

number and percentage of enrolled students submitting SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as the 25th and 75th

percentile scores for each test. Provide writing test scores only if used for admission. Provide data for the most

recent group of enrolled students for whom data are available. Include new students admitted the summer prior

to the selected fall reporting period.

DO NOT convert test scores (e.g., do not convert an SAT score to an ACT scale, etc.). If you have numbers for both

SAT and ACT scores, provide the percentiles for both tests.

Select reporting period Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Test scores NOT

required

Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

25th Percentile 75th Percentile

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math

SAT Writing

ACT Composite

ACT English

ACT Math

ACT Writing

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

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

parents.
Part B - Estimated Fall Enrollment 

Estimated 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of the institution's fall enrollment for all levels offered. Levels should match those

indicated 'Yes' in the IC Header survey. If you made an error in the Header survey, please contact the Help

Desk.

These data will NOT appear in College Navigator, but will be made available via the IPEDS Data Center.

Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment component submitted during the spring

collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012;

for program reporter institutions report an estimate of students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1

and October 31, 2012). Prior year (PY) Fall Enrollment counts are provided for reference.

Full-time FT PY Enroll

-

ment

Part-time PT PY Enroll

-

ment

Total

Students in academic or occupational

programs

 

  

Number of students reported above who are

first-time students

 

  
Part C - Student Services - Special Learning Opportunities 

1. Does your institution accept any of the following? [Check all that apply]

    Dual credit (college credit earned while in high school)                    

Credit for life experiences

Advanced placement (AP) credits

None of the above

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

   

ROTC

Army                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
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Part C - Student Services - Distance Opportunities 

4. Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

   

Remedial services

Academic/career counseling services

Employment services for current students

Placement services for program completers

On-campus day care for children of students

None of the above

5. Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution?

Have our own library

Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

Neither of the above

6. Indicate whether or not any of the following alternative tuition plans are offered by your institution.

No

Yes

Tuition guarantee

Prepaid tuition plan

Tuition payment plan

Other (specify in box below)

7. Please indicate at what level(s) you offer distance education opportunities.

   

Undergraduate

Graduate

The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

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

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

parents.
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Part C - Disability Service 

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled during fall 2011 who were formally registered as

students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office).

    3 percent or less

    More than 3 percent: %

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

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges Questions 

1. Are all full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board in the price of attendance

(D7).

This is only a screening question, and your response does not show up on College Navigator.

If you make any exceptions to this rule, and have even one first-time, full-time student living off-campus, please answer

No so that this does not cause conflicts with the Student Financial Aid survey. Making changes to the SFA component is

very difficult and may lead to inaccurate reporting for your institution.

No

Yes, and we do not make ANY (even

one) exceptions to this rule

3. Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on or off campus)?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to specify a housing capacity, and to report a room charge or a

combined room and board charge (D10).

No

Yes

Specify housing capacity for academic

year 2012-13

4. Do you offer board or meal plans to your students?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be expected to report a board charge or combined room and board charge

(D10).

No

Yes - Enter the number of meals per

week in the maximum meal plan

available

Yes - Number of meals per week can

vary (e.g., students' charge meals

against a meal card)
Part D - Student Charges - Number of programs 

5. How many programs are offered at your institution?

Be sure not to report single courses, report only full programs. If you do not know what a program is, review the

definition in the glossary or call the Help Desk.

    Number of programs

                                         
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance 

7. Cost of attendance for entering students

Please enter ALL amounts requested below. These data will be made available to the public on College Navigator.

Estimates of expenses for books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses are those from the Cost of

Attendance report used by the financial aid office in determining financial need. Please talk to your financial aid

office to get the correct numbers to use for this report.

 

Note: The academic year length you report should be the same calculation used for required reporting for your Pell

budget. This number will be used to calculate academic year costs for your institution and will impact your net price

calculation. Please discuss this information with your student aid office to ensure accurate reporting.

LARGEST PROGRAM:

CIP Code

Title

Enter new largest

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.

How is your

program

measured?

Contact Hours Credit Hours

Total length of PROGRAM in contact or credit hours

Total length of PROGRAM in WEEKS, as completed by a student attending full-time

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in contact or

credit hours

 Total length of ACADEMIC YEAR (as used to calculate your Pell budget) in WEEKS

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

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 month worth of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges. The correct numbers should be

available from your financial aid office.

Published student charges for the entire

program

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees for the entire

program

 

Books and supplies for the entire program 

The following numbers need to be reported for 4 weeks (1 month).

The correct numbers should be available from your financial aid office. Off campus numbers should be based on costs

for your area, not on national averages.

On campus:

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 

Room and board and other expenses for 4

weeks (1 month)

 

  

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses for 4 weeks (1 month) 
 Image description. These context notes will be posted on the College Navigator. End of image description. You may use the space below to provide context for the data you've reported above. These context notes

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

parents.
Part D - Student Charges - Price of Attendance - Calculated values 

7. Cost of attendance - Calculated values

Please review the numbers below for accuracy. If something looks incorrect, please go to the previous page and make

sure all of the numbers reported on that page are correct. If you still do not think the numbers are correct, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877-225-2568.

CIP CODE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

TITLE OF LARGEST PROGRAM   

Published student charges for the entire program 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            

Published student charges for an academic year

Tuition and required fees            

Books and supplies            

On campus:

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (not with family):

Room and board                                        

           

Other expenses            

Room and board and other expenses            

Off campus (with family):

Other expenses            
Part D - Student Charges - Program Data 

8. Please list your second through sixth largest programs and provide the requested information for each

program. To enter a CIP code and program title, click on the select button, and then click on the program from

the list provided. Choosing clear will remove the CIP code and title. Report the tuition and fees and the cost of

books and supplies for the TOTAL LENGTH OF THE PROGRAM. Also report the length of the entire program in

terms of contact or credit hours and provide the number of months it takes a full-time student to complete the

entire program.

Note: The largest programs are the programs with the most students, not the programs with the longest lengths.

Please make sure to report all costs for each program. As with the largest program, costs are for the entire length of

the program.If your institution charges differently based on residence, please use in-state charges.

Do not skip lines when reporting programs. Your 2nd largest program should be listed as 2nd, your 3rd as 3rd, etc.

CIP Code Tuition and

required fees

Cost of

books and

supplies

Total length

of program

Program

Measurement

# of months to

complete

1st             Contact

hours

Credit

hours

  

Title   

2nd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

3rd select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

4th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

5th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

6th select

clear

Contact

hours

Credit

hours

Title

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

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B - Admission Requirements and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C - Student Services

Part D - Student Charges

Part E - Athletic Association

Part F - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) component is to collect basic

institutional information including mission, admissions, student services, and athletic association.

IC also collects student charges data including tuition for different levels and cost data for firsttime, full-time students either for programs or for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee

data as well as information on the estimated student budgets for students based on living

situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used in the SFA survey during

the Winter collection to calculate net price of attendance.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• There is a new question that asks at what levels your institution offers distance education: undergraduate, graduate,

or no distance education offered. Please carefully review the definition of distance education before responding.

• !! Cost of attendance data will only be collected for the current year. Any changes to prior year data need to be made

in the prior year revision system. Starting next year, only one year of data will be able to be revised in prior year

systems.

General instructions

Reporting period covered

Institutional Characteristics (IC) covers data for the current year with one exception.

• Admissions data from the prior year may be entered in B3 and B4 if current year data are not

available at the time of reporting.

Context Boxes
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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.

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.

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

Where the Data Will Appear

Data collected through IPEDS will be accessible at the institution- and aggregate-levels.

At the institution-level, data will appear in the:

• College Navigator Website

• IPEDS Data Center

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

At the aggregate-level, data will appear in:

• IPEDS First Looks

• IPEDS Table Library

• IPEDS Data Feedback Reports

• The Digest of Education Statistics

• The Condition of Education
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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 3,000 characters. The mission statement will be

available to the public on College Navigator.

Distance Education

A program for which all the required coursework for program completion is able to be completed

via distance education courses.

A distance education course is a course in which the instructional content is delivered exclusively

via distance education.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services do not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education. Technologies used for instruction

may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open

broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite or wireless

communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if the

cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the technologies listed

above.

Part B – Admissions and Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open admission policy

Check Yes if your institution has an open admission policy.

If your institution requires only a high school diploma/equivalent and/or Ability to Benefit (or similar) test,

and few students are not admitted based on the test, your institution is still considered open admission. For

example, if you have students take the ATB test and allow 98% of those students to enroll, you are likely

open admission. The 2% that were not admitted had unusual circumstances that kept them from being

admitted.

Note: IPEDS does not have a set percentage to determine open admission. Please review your institution's

admission policy or talk to someone in the admissions office if you are not sure whether your institution is

open admission, or contact the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Admission considerations

Indicate which considerations are used as part of the selection process for entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students. For each consideration, indicate whether it is required, recommended,

neither required nor recommended, or you do not know.

Selection process

Applicants/admitted/enrolled students

First, select the period for which you will report (fall 2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. Indicate

the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, the number offered admission, and

the number who enrolled (both full- and part- time) for the selected reporting period. Since the total may

include students who did not provide gender data, the detail need not sum to the total.

**You should not report admissions data for any level that you did not report as an offering on the Enrollment

levels question in IC-Header. For example, if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time, first-time

students leave those boxes blank.**
Include early decision, early action, and students who began studies during the summer prior to the fall

reporting period. Applicants should include only those students who fulfilled all requirements for consideration

for admission and who have been notified of one of the following actions: admission, non-admission,

placement on a wait list, or application withdrawn (by applicant or institution). Admitted applicants

(admissions) should include wait-listed students who were subsequently offered admission.

Test scores

**Do not convert test scores (e.g., do NOT convert an ACT score into a SAT score); scores must be

reported separately.**

First, select the period for which you will report (2011 or fall 2012), depending on available data. If test

scores are required for admission for students in your entering cohort (first-time, degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate-level students), provide the number and percentage of students submitting SAT/ACT scores

and the 25th and 75th percentile scores for each test. Include information for ALL enrolled, degree/certificateseeking, first-time (freshman) students for whom test scores were required. Include new students admitted

the summer prior to the fall for which you are reporting. Do not include partial test scores (e.g., mathematics

scores but not verbal scores for a category of students) or combine other standardized test results (such as

TOEFL) in this item. If students submitted TOEFL scores in addition to SAT/ACT scores, those scores should be

included. If students submitted both SAT and ACT scores, but only SAT scores were considered for

admission, only report the SAT scores (and vice versa).

Estimated Fall 2012 Fall Enrollment

Provide an early estimate of fall enrollment for all levels offered at the institution as indicated above for fulland part-time students. Estimates should be based on the definitions used in the IPEDS Fall Enrollment

component submitted in the Spring collection (for academic institutions report an estimate of the students

that are/will be enrolled as of October 15, 2012; for program reporter institutions report an estimate of

students enrolled in your institution at any time between August 1 and October 31, 2012). These data will

NOT appear in College Navigator but will be made available via IPEDS data dissemination.

Note: Only report for levels that you indicated in the IC-Header were offered at your institution. For example,

if you indicated that you do not enroll part-time undergraduates, leave that box blank. For levels that you

indicated in the IC-Header were offered by your institution that do not have any students enrolled for the

current year, please enter a '0'.

Part C - Student Services

Special learning opportunities

Special credit

Indicate if your institution accepts credit earned prior to admission through any of the sources listed.

Special learning opportunities

Indicate if the listed special learning opportunities are offered by your institution. Teacher certification refers

to pre-K through 12; if the institution only provides certification for some levels (e.g., elementary only and

not secondary), be sure to indicate that only certain levels are offered.

Years of study required for entry

If the 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.
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Alternative tuition plans

Indicate if your institution offers any alternative tuition plans. Us the context box on the bottom of

the page to provide details about tuition plans for College Navigator. Please provide only factual

information, context boxes are reviewed and inappropriate information (such as marketing

information) will be removed.

Distance education offerings

Indicate whether you offer distance education opportunities at the undergraduate level and/or

graduate level. If you offer distance education at both levels, please check both boxes. If you do

not offer distance education opportunities, please select the last option.

Requirements for coming to campus for orientation, testing, or academic support services does not

exclude a course from being classified as distance education.

Disabilities

Please indicate the percentage of all undergraduates enrolled in fall 2011 who were formally

registered as students with disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the

equivalent office). This may include students with physical or learning disabilities, as well as other

types of disabilities. If greater than 3% of students are registered as having a disability, you will

need to indicate a percentage.

Please use the context box on the page to provide information, such as the webpage for your

disabilities services website.

Part D - Student Charges

Screening questions

If you responded to questions regarding full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking

undergraduate students in the Institutional Characteristics Header survey, your institution will be

required to answer all the questions.

On-campus or institutionally controlled off-campus housing requirement

Indicate if ALL full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on campus or in

institutionally controlled off-campus housing. If you make ANY exceptions, you should not select this as

a requirement, as this will cause inconsistencies in your reporting between this section and the

Student Financial Aid survey calculation of net price.

This question is a screening question, and does not appear on College Navigator. Please respond correctly.

Tuition based on residence

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

Institutionally controlled housing

Indicate if the institution provides institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off-campus) and

if so, specify the housing capacity.

Meal plans
Indicate if the institution offers board or meal plans to students. If the institution offers fixed meal

plans, provide the number of meals per week in the maximum plan available. Institutions will be

asked to report the board charges or combined room and board charges on later screens.

Tuition and fees for undergraduate students (academic year reporters)

Undergraduate students include:

• Students who have not obtained a bachelor's degree;

• Students in bachelor's degree programs that require at least 4 years but fewer than 6 years of college

work; or

• Students in occupational or general study programs requiring 1, 2, or 3 years of college work that are

designed to prepare students for immediate employment or to provide general education rather than

to serve as the first 1, 2, or 3 years of a bachelor's degree program.

Undergraduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for undergraduate students

This tuition value differs from cost of attendance as it is the average tuition and fees for ALL

undergraduate students and all levels (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, etc.). It is possible

that this number will be different from the cost of attendance that you will report if you have firsttime, full-time students.

Since tuition and required fees and room and board charges may be different for varying groups of

full-time undergraduate students at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding

reporting:

• Report the average tuition and required fees for the full academic year charged to in-district, in-state,

and out-of-state students. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the

same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate

that you do not charge different tuitions.

• If the institution charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, estimate average tuition based on the

average full-time credit-hour load for an entire academic year.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

• If the institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and room and board, enter

the amount as a comprehensive fee.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time undergraduate students

Enter the average dollar amount your institution charges to part-time undergraduate students per

credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different

tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are

the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and

indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Tuition and fees for graduate students
Graduate students include any student who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and is

taking courses at the post-baccalaureate level. These students may or may not be enrolled in

graduate programs.

Graduate application fee

If the institution charges an application fee, indicate the amount. An application fee is the amount

of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for admittance to the

institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it refundable if the

student is not admitted to the institution.

Tuition and required fees for graduate students

Since tuition and required fees may be different for varying groups of full-time graduate students

at an institution, adhere to the following rules regarding reporting:

• Do not include doctor’s-professional practice tuition. This will be collected separately.

• Report the average tuition and required fees charged to full-time graduate students for the full

academic year. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge different tuitions for in

-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if two are the same. If they

are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this and indicate that you do not

charge different tuitions.

• When reporting required fees, include all fixed sum charges that are REQUIRED of a majority of

students.

• Do not include any charges that are clearly optional.

Per-credit-hour charges for part-time graduate students

Enter the dollar amount the institution most frequently charges to part-time graduate students

per credit hour of instruction. If you selected ‘yes’ for the screening question that you charge

different tuitions for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state, provide amounts in all columns even if

two are the same. If they are all the same, go back to the screening question that asks about this

and indicate that you do not charge different tuitions.

Doctor's - professional practice tuition and fees

Report the tuition and fees (if applicable, for both in- and out-of-state) for students in the selected

professional practice programs.

Number of programs (program reporters only)

Provide the total number of occupational programs offered by your institution. A program is a combination of

courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives as described by the

institution. Please do not count single courses as a program.

Room and Board

Institutions that offer institutionally controlled housing (either on- or off- campus) will be required to answer

the questions in this section.

Report the typical room charge for the full academic year 2012-13 for a full-time student sharing a room with

one other student. Report the board charge based on the maximum meal plan available for 2012-13 to a fulltime student. Report a combined room and board charge only if room and board charges cannot be

separated.

If your institution only offers room or board, but not both, you will only be asked about the applicable

offering.

Academic year reporters cost of attendance for full-time, first-time undergraduate

students

If you made errors in the prior year reporting, you will need to make changes in the Prior Year Revision

system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.
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Institutions with standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, or 4-1-4 or hybrid institutions)

should provide cost information for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students for the FULL ACADEMIC

YEAR in the columns indicated. The numbers reported for tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board,

and other expenses must match the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for

student financial assistance. If your institution has a single lump sum charge for tuition, required fees, and

room and board, enter the amount as a comprehensive fee. You will not be able to lock your submission

without these data.

Report BOTH tuition and fees, separately. Please report accurately as these numbers are used in the

calculation of net price during the Student Financial Aid survey. Net price appears to the public in College

Navigator, including the College Affordability and Transparency Center, as mandated in accordance with Sec.

111 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA).

Indicate whether the tuition and/or fees reported are covered by a tuition guarantee plan. If they are, but it is

not a flat rate, please provide the guaranteed maximum rate of increase.

Program reporters cost (price) of attendance

Institutions with no full-time, first-time students will report the six largest programs on one page, and should

follow the directions under ‘Reporting the next 5 largest programs’ to report these data.

Reporting the largest program

Errors can be corrected in the Prior Year Revision system.

This question requires working with your student financial aid office.

This section asks questions about the largest program your institution has offered for entering students.

Institutions that provided data for the largest program in the prior year will see pre-loaded data (when CIP

code has changed, you will need to update the CIP with an appropriate CIP). If the largest program has

changed, check the box provided and indicate a different program. You will be required to enter data for all 4

years as indicated on the screen.

To enter or change the largest program

• Select the CIP category code from the first drop-down box and title from the second drop-down box.

If you need to restore the pre-loaded information, click the reset button at bottom of the screen.

• Provide the total length of program in contact or credit hours and in weeks (as completed by a

student attending full-time).

• Provide the total length of the academic year, as used to calculate your Pell budget, in contact or

credit hours and in weeks.

• Enter an application fee (if applicable).

• Provide amounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other expenses FOR

THE TIME PERIOD INDICATED (either for the length of the program, or for 4 weeks). These are

the amounts used by your financial aid office for determining eligibility for student financial

assistance.

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

Reporting the next 5 largest programs

This section asks questions about the next 5 largest programs your institution offers for entering

students (or, if you have no full-time, first-time students, the 6 largest programs).

• 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.

Part F - Campus information

For campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/27/2012

Term Definition

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

75th percentile The score above which 25 percent of students submitting test scores to an institution scored.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

ACT ACT, previously known as the American College Testing program, measures educational

development and readiness to pursue college-level coursework in English, mathematics, natural

science, and social studies. Student performance does not reflect innate ability and is influenced by a

student's educational preparedness.

Admissions (students

admitted)

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

Admissions test scores Scores on standardized admissions tests or special admissions tests.

Advanced placement (AP)

courses

College-level courses taught in high school. Students may take an examination at the completion of

the course; acceptable scores allow students to earn college credit toward a degree, certificate, or

other formal award.

Applicant An individual who has fulfilled the institution's requirements to be considered for admission

(including payment or waiving of the application fee, if any) and who has been notified of one of the

following actions: admission, nonadmission, placement on waiting list, or application withdrawn by

applicant or institution.

Application fee That amount of money that an institution charges for processing a student's application for

admittance to the institution. This amount is not creditable toward tuition or required fees, nor is it

refundable if the student is not admitted to the institution.

Board charges Charges assessed students for an academic year for meals.

Board plan The method for providing meals to students during an academic year. Plans may include a specific

charge for a specified number of meals per week or a specified amount against which students may

charge their meals.

Books and supplies The average cost of books and supplies for a typical student for an entire academic year (or

program). Does not include unusual costs for special groups of students (e.g., engineering or art

majors), unless they constitute the majority of students at an institution.

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

educational institutions.

Classification of

Instructional Programs

(CIP)

A taxonomic coding scheme for secondary and postsecondary instructional programs. It is intended

to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of program data using classifications that

capture the majority of reportable data. The CIP is the accepted federal government statistical

standard on instructional program classifications and is used in a variety of education information

surveys and databases.

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

to as contact hour.

Comprehensive fee A single fixed amount of money charged by an institution that covers tuition, required fees, room,

and board. For some institutions, this amount may also cover books and supplies.

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

to as clock hour.

Counseling service Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education,

career, or personal development.

Credit for life experiences Credit earned by students for what they have learned through independent study, noncredit adult

courses, work experience, portfolio demonstration, previous licensure or certification, or completion

of other learning opportunities (military, government, or professional). Credit may also be awarded

through a credit by examination program.

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Day care service A student service designed to provide appropriate care and protection of infants, preschool, and

school-age children so their parents can participate in postsecondary education programs .

Degree/certificate-seeking

students

Students enrolled in courses for credit and recognized by the institution as seeking a degree,

certificate, or other formal award. High school students also enrolled in postsecondary courses for

credit are not considered degree/certificate-seeking.

Disability services Programs designed to provide reasonable academic accommodations and support services to

empower students who have disabilities to competitively pursue postsecondary education. May also

include assistance to campus departments in providing access to services and programs in the most

integrated setting possible.

Distance education Education that uses one or more technologies to deliver instruction to students who are separated

from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the

instructor synchronously or asynchronously.
Technologies used for instruction may include the following: Internet; one-way and two-way

transmissions through open broadcasts, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber

optics, satellite or wireless communication devices; audio conferencing; and video cassette, DVDs,

and CD-ROMs, if the cassette, DVDs, and CD-ROMs are used in a course in conjunction with the

technologies listed above.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Dual credit A program through which high school students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses,

taught at their high school, that fulfill high school graduation requirements and may earn the student

college credits .

Early action An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in

advance of the regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll

(unlike early decision). Students may reply to the offer under the college's regular reply policy.

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

Early decision A plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer,

if applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of

admission and, if admitted, to withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three

possible decisions in response to such an application: admitted, denied, or not admitted but

forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.

Employment services for

current students

Activities intended to assist students in obtaining part-time employment as a means of defraying

part of the cost of their education.

First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic

or occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for

the first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that

is considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

GED (General Educational

Development)

This term normally refers to the tests of General Educational Development (GED), which provide an

opportunity to earn a high school credential. The GED program, sponsored by the American Council

on Education, enables individuals to demonstrate that they have acquired a level of learning

comparable to that of high school graduates.

Governing board An entity that ensures on behalf of the public the performance of an institution or a group of

institutions. Responsibilities of the board may include appointing, supporting, and monitoring the

president of the institution; reviewing educational and public service programs; insisting on strategic

planning; and, ensuring good management and adequate resources.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

High school diploma or

recognized equivalent

A document certifying the successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of

studies, or the attainment of satisfactory scores on the GED or another state specified examination.

Housing capacity The maximum number of students for which an institution can provide residential facilities, whether

on or off campus.

In-district student A student who is a legal resident of the locality in which he/she attends school and thus is entitled to

reduced tuition charges if offered by the institution.

In-district tuition The tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend

school. This may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.

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

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

requirements.

Institutionally controlled

housing

Any residence hall or housing facility located on- or off-campus that is owned or controlled by an

institution and used by the institution in direct support of or in a manner related to, the institution’s

educational purposes.

Library An organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials which (a) is administered as

one or more units, (b) is located in one or more designated places, and (c) makes printed,

microform, and audiovisual materials as well as necessary equipment and services of a staff

accessible to students and to faculty. Includes units meeting the above definition which are part of a

learning resource center.

Net price
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 defines institutional net price as “the average yearly

price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at an

institution of higher education after deducting such aid.” In IPEDS, average institutional net price is

generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional

grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of

published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state for public institutions), books and

supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses. Cost of attendance data

are collected in the Institutional Characteristics (IC) component of IPEDS, and financial aid data are

collected in the Student Financial Aid (SFA) component of IPEDS.

Off-campus (not with

family)

A living arrangement in which a student does not live with the student’s parents or legal guardians in

any housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus (with family) A living arrangement in which a student lives with the student's parents or legal guardians in any

housing facility that is not owned or controlled by the educational institution.

Off-campus housing Any housing facility that is occupied by students but is not owned or controlled by the educational

institution.

On-campus housing Any residence hall or housing facility owned or controlled by an institution within the same

reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of or in a

manner related to, the institution's educational purposes.

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

Other expenses The amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses

such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment.

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

Out-of-state tuition The tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the institution's or state's

residency requirements.

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than

24 contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or

quarter credits.

Placement services for

program completers

Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives and in obtaining full-time employment

upon leaving the institution.

Postsecondary education

institution

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

postsecondary education.

Prepaid tuition plan A program that allows students or their families to purchase college tuition or tuition credits for

future years, at current prices.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.

Remedial services Instructional activities designed for students deficient in the general competencies necessary for a

regular postsecondary curriculum and educational setting.

Required fees Fixed sum charged to students for items not covered by tuition and required of such a large

proportion of all students that the student who does not pay the charge is an exception.

Room charges The charges for an academic year for rooming accommodations for a typical student sharing a room

with one other student.

SAT Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, this is an examination administered by the

Educational Testing Service (ETS) and used to predict the facility with which an individual will

progress in learning college-level academic subjects.

Shared library A facility housing an organized collection of printed, microform, and audiovisual materials, and (a) is

jointly administered by more than one educational institution, or (b) whose funds or operating

expenditures have been received from more than one educational institution. The location of the

facility is not a determining factor.

Standardized admissions

tests

Tests prepared and administered by an agency that is independent of any postsecondary education

institution. Tests provide information about prospective students and their academic qualifications

relative to a national sample. Examples are the SAT and the ACT.

Study abroad Arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country.

Can be at a campus abroad or through a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or an

institution of another country.

System An organization of two or more institutions of higher education under the control or supervision of a

common administrative governing body. Governing bodies generally have the power to act in their

own name, to hire and fire personnel, enter into contracts, etc. A coordinating body without these

powers or a section of a state agency usually would not be considered a system office.

Teacher certification

program

A program designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers in

elementary, middle/junior high, and secondary schools.

Test of English as a

Foreign Language

(TOEFL)

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

English.

Transcript An official record of student performance showing all schoolwork completed at a given school and the

final mark or other evaluation received in each portion of the instruction. Transcripts often include an

explanation of the marking scale used by the school.

Tuition The amount of money charged to students for instructional services. Tuition may be charged per

term, per course, or per credit.
Tuition and fees

(published charges)

The amount of tuition and required fees covering a full academic year most frequently charged to

students. These values represent what a typical student would be charged and may not be the same

for all students at an institution. If tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis, the average fulltime credit hour load for an entire academic year is used to estimate average tuition. Required fees

include all fixed sum charges that are required of such a large proportion of all students that the

student who does not pay the charges is an exception.

Tuition guarantee A program where the institution guarantees, to entering first-time students, that tuition will not

increase for the years they are enrolled. These guarantees are generally time-bound for four or five

years.

Tuition payment plan A program that allows tuition to be paid in installments spread out over an agreed upon period of

time, sometimes without interest or finance charges.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.

Weekend/evening college A program that allows students to take a complete course of study and attend classes only on

weekends or only in the evenings.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

2) What institutions are included in IPEDS?

3) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header survey?

4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

6) What is an open admission policy?

7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

Student Charges

1) When determining the dormitory capacity, should we include off campus housing reserved for graduate and/or married students?

2) Our institution offers several meal plans. Which plan should I report?

3) For academic year tuition reporters, what is the difference between the undergraduate tuition and fees charges in Part D question

5, and the tuition and fees charges in Part D question 11?

4) How do I calculate or determine “average tuition”?

Price of Attendance

1) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for institutionally-controlled housing both on and

off campus?

2) How do I know what amounts to report for room and board and other expenses for off campus?

3) Do I have to report off campus living expenses?

4) What are “other expenses”?

5) What data are included on the College Navigator website?

Answers:

General

1) What is the purpose of the Institutional Characteristics survey?

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics (IC) survey is to collect basic institutional

information including mission, student services, and athletic association. IC also collects student charges

data including tuition for different levels and cost data for first-time, full-time students either for programs or

for an academic year. This includes tuition and fee data as well as information on the estimated student

budgets for students based on living situations (on-campus or off-campus). The cost numbers are also used

in the SFA survey during the spring collection to calculate net price of attendance.

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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) My institution has a system office. Does the system office need to complete an Institutional Characteristics - Header

survey?

Any system or central office that employs 15 or more full-time staff (and therefore must report IPEDS Fall

Staff data) OR has its own budget (and therefore must report IPEDS Finance data) must also complete the

Institutional Characteristics - Header survey. The administrative office must indicate all types and levels of

instruction and programs offered at all of the institutions in its system. This will ensure that each institution

in the system is represented.

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4) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the

fall?
No, you cannot change your IC data in the winter or fall, except in rare circumstances. Due to processing

and the size of the database, it is difficult to make changes once a survey is closed. It is the responsibility of

the institution's keyholder to report these data correctly in the fall, as they do impact other surveys (e.g.,

Student Financial Aid).

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5) Where can I find my accrediting agency information since it is no longer collected in IPEDS?

The Office of Postsecondary Education(OPE) website: OPE Accreditation database at

http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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6) What is an open admission policy?

This is a policy by which virtually all secondary school graduates or students with GED equivalency diplomas

are admitted without regard to academic record, test scores, or other qualifications. They may take an Ability

to Benefit or similar test, but few students are not admitted based on those test scores.

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7) When reporting admitted students, do I include early admits?

Yes, include all students who were offered admission to your institution. This would include early decision

students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification date and who agreed to

accept; early action students who were notified of an admission decision prior to the regular notification

date with no commitment to accept; and the admitted students who began studies during the summer prior

to the fall reporting period.

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8) What students are included in the count for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates?

Include students attending any institution for the first time at the undergraduate level, including students

enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the first time in the prior summer term. Also include

students who entered with advanced standing (college credits earned before graduation from high school).

This number should match the Fall Enrollment reported in the spring or winter collection cycle. This is also

the cohort for the Graduation Rates survey that is reported in the spring collection.

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9) Our students take both the SAT and ACT. Which scores should we report?

You should provide both scores, if test scores are required for admission and both scores were considered in

the admissions decision. However, if a student submits both scores but only one of the scores is used in the

admissions decision, use only the score used in the admissions decision.

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10) If a student submits two sets of scores for a single test, how should we be reporting these?

You should report this information according to how you use the data. For example, if a student submits two

sets of scores and you consider the highest scores from either submission, then use the highest combination

of scores (e.g., verbal from one submission, math from the other). If a student submits two sets of scores

and you average the scores, then use that average.

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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.

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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, firsttime undergraduate students. The data in question 13 should be provided by your financial aid office as

these are the amounts used to determine student budgets.

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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 data are included on the College Navigator website?

The Institutional Characteristics information that is made available on College Navigator includes special

learning opportunities, student services, admissions, admission considerations, test scores, tuition and

required fees, room and board charges, books and supplies, other expenses and the institution’s mission

statement. The best way to see what information is available about your institution is to look up your

institution on College Navigator.

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/27/2012

Institutional Characteristics - Program

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics (IC) Component

Applicable to program reporting institutions

NOTE: The specifications below apply to all above noted institutions and related administrative offices; however,

some sections and parts may not be applicable to your particular institution. Therefore, please read the

specifications carefully to determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

Part B: Admission Requirements and Services/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Part D: Student Charges

Part E: Athletic Association

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Part A: Mission Statement and Distance Education

To begin this survey, you must provide the following information:

• The institution's mission statement or a web address (URL) where the mission statement can be found. Typed

mission statements are limited to 2,000 characters or less and will be available to the public on the College

Navigator website.

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

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

Top

Part B: Admissions/Estimated Fall Enrollment

Open Admission

On this screen, you must indicate whether your institution has an open admission policy for all -or most - entering first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students. Choose Yes or No.

• If you select No, indicating that your institution does NOT have an open admission policy, then additional screens

for Admission Considerations and Selection Process will be required.

Admission Considerations

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

admission policy

On this screen, you must indicate how your institution uses each of the following Admission Considerations in its selection

process for entering first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students:

• Secondary school GPA

• Secondary school rank

• Secondary school record

• Completion of college-preparatory program

• Recommendations

• Formal demonstration of competencies (e.g., portfolios, certificates of mastery, assessment instruments)

• Admission test scores: SAT/ACT

• Admission test scores: Other test (ABT, Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

• Admission test scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

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

• Required

• Recommended

• Neither Required nor Recommended

• Don’t Know

Note: Your institution will not be required to complete the Selection Process screen if Secondary School Record is the only

required admission consideration.

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

• You must select a response for each admission consideration.

• You must select Required for at least one admission consideration.

Selection Process

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

admission policy
On this screen, you must begin by providing the number of first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who applied, were

admitted, and enrolled (either full-time or part-time) at your institution for the most recent fall reporting period available

(Question B3). This includes early decision students, early action students, and students who began studies during the

summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

Next, indicate the number of Men, Women, and Total first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students in each of the following

categories for the selected reporting period:

• Number of applicants

• Number of admissions

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time

• Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time

Note: Since the Total may include students who did not provide gender data, the Men and Women columns are not required

to sum to the Total column.

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• For each category, you must enter the number of Men and/or Women, as applicable.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than 0.

• For each category, the Total reported must be greater than or equal to the sum of Men and Women reported for

that category.

• The reported Total Number of applicants must be greater than or equal to the Total Number of admissions

reported.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number of admissions

that are Men.

• The reported Number of applicants that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number of

admissions that are Women.

• The reported Total Number of admissions must be greater than or equal to the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled (full-time + part-time).

• The reported Number of admissions that are Men must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Men.

• The reported Number of admissions that are Women must be greater than or equal to the Number (of

admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) that are Women.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 10%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 10% and 20%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants must be greater than 20%, otherwise a fatal error will

occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, and the Total Number of

admissions divided by the Total Number of applicants is between 20% and 30%, then an explanation must be

provided.

• If you indicated that you enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll full-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be 0 or blank.

• If you indicated that you enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value entered on

this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be greater than 0.

• If you indicated that you do NOT enroll part-time, first-time students in the IC Header survey, then the value

entered on this screen for the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be 0 or blank.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded FT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled full-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the FT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

full-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• The Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time must be within a certain range of the preloaded PT

PY Enrollment value for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students found on the Estimated Fall Enrollment

screen of this survey, as outlined below:

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is between 1 and 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that

enrolled part-time must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the PT PY Enrollment value is greater than 10, then the Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled

part-time must be within a 10% range of that value.

• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 90%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.
• If your institution is 4-year Public or 4-year Private-not-for-profit institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 80%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time must be less than 70%, otherwise a fatal error will occur.

• If your institution is 4-year Private-for-profit or a less-than-4 year institution, then the Total Percent of

admissions enrolled by full-time and part-time is expected to be less than 60%, otherwise an explanation

must be provided.

Next, you must provide SAT and ACT test score data for first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your

institution during the most recent fall period available (Question B4). This data should include first-time students who were

admitted during the summer prior to the selected fall reporting period.

Begin by selecting the most recent fall reporting period for which these data are available at your institution. This should be

the same reporting period selected for the previous question (Question B3); otherwise a fatal error will occur. You may choose

from the following options:

• Fall 2011

• Fall 2012

• Test scores NOT Required

If you indicated on the Admission Considerations screen that test scores are not required for admission to your institution,

then select the Test Scores NOT Required option in response to the reporting period question above and skip the remainder

of the Selection Process screen.

Otherwise, you must enter the following information:

• The number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores

• The number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

• The percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores

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

• A fall reporting period must be selected from the available options.

• If Required is selected for Admission test scores: SAT/ACT on the Admission Considerations screen, then

you must select a reporting period OTHER THAN Test Scores NOT Required on this screen; and vice versa.

• If the Test Scores NOT Required option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you

are NOT expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• If either fall reporting year option is selected in response to the reporting period question above, then you are

expected to report the Number or Percent of enrolled students that submitted test score data.

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to the reported

Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full time + part time) from the previous question (Question B3).

• The total number of enrolled students that submitted test score data (SAT + ACT) must be greater than or equal

to the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled (full-time + part-time) from the previous question

(Question B3).

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must also be greater than 0.

• If the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores is greater than 0, then the Percent of

enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must also be greater than 0.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

• The Percent of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores must be less than or equal to 100%.

For the final part of this question, you must provide 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile test score data for first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking students who enrolled at your institution during the selected reporting period for each of the

following test categories, as applicable:

• SAT Critical Reading

• SAT Math

• SAT Writing

• ACT Composite

• ACT English

• ACT Math

• ACT Writing

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

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted SAT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each SAT test category.

• SAT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 200 and 800 for each

SAT test category.

• If you reported a value greater than 0 for the Number of enrolled students that submitted ACT scores in the

first part of this question, then percentiles should be reported for each ACT test category.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 1 and 36 for the ACT

English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite test categories.

• ACT scores entered for both the 25th Percentile and 75th Percentile must be between 2 and 12 for the ACT

Writing test category.

• For each test category, if a 25th Percentile score is reported, then you must also report a 75th Percentile

score in that same test category; and vice versa.
• For each test category, scores reported for the 75th Percentile must be greater than those reported for the 25th

Percentile.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 700 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for SAT scores is expected to be less than 600 for institutions that are not 4-year public

and 4-year not-for-profit institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACTscores is expected to be less than 32 for 4-year public and 4-year not-for-profit

institutions.

• The 75th Percentile for ACT scores is expected to be less than 28 for institutions that are not 4-year public and

4-year not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Fall Enrollment

On this screen, you must provide an early estimate of your institution's 2012 fall enrollment for full-time and part-time students

for each enrollment category offered, as applicable to your institution.

Applicable to all 4-year institutions and 2-year public institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• Of undergraduates, those who are first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students

• Graduate

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The number of Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Full-time Undergraduate students reported.

• The number of Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students reported must be less than or

equal to the number of Part-time Undergraduate students reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 50%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value must be within a 10%

range of the reported Total Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection

Process screen, if all of the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking student value reported on this

screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

Applicable to 2-year private institutions and all less-than-2-year institutions

Report the estimated number of Full-time and Part-time students who are, or will be, enrolled at your institution as of October

15, 2012 for each of the following categories:

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

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

• For each enrollment category, if your institution indicated that it does not enroll that type of student in the IC

Header survey, then the corresponding value entered on this screen must be 0 or blank.

• For each enrollment category, if the preloaded PY Enrollment value is greater than 0, then the current year

value must also be greater than 0.

• The reported number of Full-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Full-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• The reported number of Part-time, first-time students must be less than the number of Part-time, Students

in academic or occupational programs reported.

• For each enrollment category, the current year value must be within a certain range of the corresponding PY

Enrollment value, as outlined below:

◦ If the prior year value is between 1 and 10, then the current year value must be less than or equal to 15.

◦ If the prior year value is greater than 10, then the current year value must be within a 30% range of that

value.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Full-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled full-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of the

following statements are true:

◦ The current year Full-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled full-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 50% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is less than or equal to 30.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ In response to Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of

admitted) that enrolled part-time.

• The current year Part-time, first-time student value must be within a 10% range of the reported Total

Number (of admitted) that enrolled part-time from Question B3 of the Selection Process screen, if all of

the following statements are true:

◦ The current year Part-time, first-time student value reported on this screen is greater than 30.

◦ On Question B3, your institution selected the Fall 2012 reporting period.

◦ On Question B3, your institution reported a number greater than 0 for the Total Number (of admitted)

that enrolled part-time.

Top

Part C: Student Services/Disability Services

Special Learning Opportunities

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

these must also be selected.

• Does your institution accept any of the following? Check all that apply.

◦ Dual Credit (college credit earned while in high school)

◦ Credit for life experiences

◦ Advanced placement (AP) credits

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

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

◦ ROTC

▪ Army

▪ Navy

▪ Air Force

◦ Study abroad

◦ Weekend/evening college

◦ Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)

▪ Students can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

▪ Students must complete their preparation at another institution for certain areas of specialization

▪ This institution is approved by the state for the initial certification or licensure of teachers

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)
• Applicable to 4-year institutions

If your institution grants a bachelor's degree or higher but does not offer a full 4-year program of study at the

undergraduate level, how many years of completed college-level work are required for entrance?

◦ You may select a number One through Eight from the available drop-down menu; or skip this item if it

does not apply to your institution.

Student Services

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

these must also be selected.

• Which of the following selected student services are offered by your institution? Check all that apply.

◦ Remedial Services

◦ Academic/career counseling services

◦ Employment services for current students

◦ Placement services for program completers

◦ On-campus day care for children of students

◦ None of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution have its own library or are you financially supporting a shared library with another

postsecondary education institution? Choose one of the following options:

◦ Have our own library

◦ Do not have our own library but contribute financial support to a shared library

◦ Neither of the above (If this option is selected, then no other options can be chosen in response to this

question.)

• Does your institution offer any of the following alternative tuition plans?

◦ Yes (If this option is selected, check all that apply)

▪ Tuition guarantee

▪ Prepaid tuition plan

▪ Tuition payment plan

▪ Other (If this option is selected, then you must specify the tuition plan in the context box at the

bottom of the screen.)

◦ No

• Please indicate at what level(s) your institution offers distance education opportunities.

◦ Undergraduate

◦ Graduate

◦ The institution does not offer distance education opportunities

Disability Service

Indicate the percentage of all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2011 who were formally registered as students with

disabilities with the institution's office of disability services (or the equivalent office). Choose one of the following options:

• 3 percent or less

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

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

• If the 3 percent or less option is selected, then you may not specify a percentage.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then a percentage must be specified.

• If the More than 3 percent option is selected, then the specified percentage must be between 4 percent and 50

percent.

Top

Part D: Student Charges

Charges Questions

Your response to the questions on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part D. The

number of questions displayed will depend on the institution type, as noted below. An answer must be provided for each

applicable screening question.

• Applicable to institutions with full-time, first time students

Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the Price of

Attendance screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule so that many students are living off-campus

anyway, answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with the data entered in the Student

Financial Aid survey.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, the following will apply:

▪ You must specify a housing capacity for academic year 2012-13 in the box provided.

▪ You will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the Price of Attendance

screen.

▪ You will be expected to report either a room charge or a combined room and board charge on the

appropriate screens in Part D.

• Does your institution offer board or meal plans to students? Choose Yes or No.
◦ If the response is Yes, you must select one of the following options:

▪ Yes - Number of meals per week can vary (e.g., students charge meals against a meal card)

▪ Yes - Enter the number of meals per week included in the maximum meal plan available (If this

option is selected, then you must specify the number of meals in the box provided)

◦ If you select either Yes option, you will be expected to report either a board charge or a combined room

and board charge on the appropriate screens in Part D.

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

• If you report that all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students are required to live on-campus or in

institutionally-controlled housing, then you must also indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled

housing.

• If you indicate that your institution offers institutionally-controlled housing, then the specified housing capacity

must be greater than 0.

• If a housing capacity is specified, then the value entered must be less than or equal to 20,000.

• If the number of meals per week is specified, then the value entered is expected to be less than or equal to 21.

Programs

On this screen, specify the number of occupational programs offered at your institution. This number should only include full

programs, not single courses.

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

• The number of programs reported must be greater than 0.

Note: If the reported number of programs offered is greater than 1, then an additional screen for Program Data will be

required.

Room and Board

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

the Charges Questions screen

This screen is provided for reporting the typical room and board charges a student can expect at your institution for the full

academic year 2012-13. Dollar amounts must be provided for one or more of the following options, as applicable to your

institution:

• Room charge (double occupancy)

• Board charge (Maximum plan)

• Combined room and board charge

Note: The available options will depend on your answers to the corresponding questions on the Charges Questions screen

of this survey.

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

• You must either report the Room charge and Board charge separately OR report a Combined room and

board charge. Charges may not be reported using both methods.

• The reported Room charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The reported Board charge is expected to be greater than $500, where applicable.

• The Combined room and board charge reported is expected to be greater than $1000, where applicable.

• The current year total amount entered for Room and/or Board (combined or reported separately) is expected to

be within a 40% range of the Prior year total.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that do NOT charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees,

room, and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:
Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered:
• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for students living On-campus must be greater

than $50.

• For academic years 2010-11 and 2011-12, the current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic year 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for students living On-campus

must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment that charge a Comprehensive fee (combined tuition, fees, room,

and board charges)

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purpose of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Total length of program in contact or credit hours

• Total length of program in weeks, as completed by a full-time student

• Total length of academic year in contact or credit hours

• Total lenth of academic year in weeks

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

• A CIP Code must be selected.

• You must specify the Program measurement method.

• The Total length of program in hours must be greater than 0.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for Total

length of program in hours must be between 21 and 130.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the corresponding value entered for

Total length of program in hours must be within a certain range based on the award levels reported in the IC

Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks must be greater than 8.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of program in

weeks is expected to be within a certain range, as outlined below:
◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 48 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be between 48 and 95 weeks.

◦ If the value entered for length of program in weeks is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 96 weeks.

• If Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 30 and 44 hours.

• If Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the Total length of academic year in

hours must be between 750 and 1100 hours.

• The Total length of academic year in weeks must be between 26 and 52 weeks.

You must also report the amount your institution charges for undergraduate application fees. The prior year amount is

displayed for your reference.

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

• If the application fee reported in the Prior year is greater than 0, then an amount greater than 0 is also expected

in the current year.

• The application fee reported is expected to be less than or equal to $100.

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

Additionally, you must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent

academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13).

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Comprehensive fee charges, as well as the

average cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the amount entered for Comprehensive fee must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the Comprehensive fee value reported must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12,and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Charges Questions screen of this survey.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for students living Off-campus (not with

family) must be between $300 and $2000.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements is expected

to be between $251 and $400.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

Program Data

Applicable to institutions that reported offering more than one program on the Programs screen of this survey.

On this screen, you must provide information related to the six largest programs of study offered at your institution by using

the links provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for each of the specified programs.

For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students, not the program

with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

Note: If your institution enrolls first-time, full-time undergraduate students, then information on the largest program offered at

your institution will be preloaded from the Price of Attendance screen of this survey.

For each of the six largest programs offered by your institution, you must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Tuition and required fees

• Cost of books and supplies

• Total length of program

• Program measurement (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Number of months to complete

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

• You must report CIP Codes on this screen for the same number of programs reported on the Programs screen of

this survey (up to 6 programs).

• Duplicate CIP Codes may not be entered (unless the program lengths are different).

The system will perform the following edits on the data entered for each program:
• A CIP Code must be selected if a number greater than 0 is entered for any of the following:

◦ Tuition and required fees

◦ Cost of books and supplies

◦ Total length of program

• If a CIP Code is selected, then you must also specify the Program measurement method.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the value entered for # of months to complete must be greater than 0.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Tuition and required fees must be greater than $500.

• If a CIP Code is selected, then the amount entered for Cost of books and supplies must be greater than $100.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Credit hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be between 21 and 130.

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method, then the

corresponding value entered for Total length of program must be within a certain range based on the award

levels reported in the IC Header survey, as outlined in the table below:

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of less than one year

(less than 900

contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least one but less

than two years (900 to

1799 contact hours)

Institution offers

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

of at least two but less

than four years (more

than 1799 contact

hours)

Expected

contact

hour

range

Award Levels

reported for

your

institution in

the IC Header

survey

Y Y N Between

200 and

1799

N Y Y Between

900 and

3000

Y N N Between

200 and

899

N Y N Between

900 and

1799

N N Y Between

1800 and

3000

• If a CIP Code is selected and Contact hours is selected as the Program measurement method and a number

greater than 0 is entered for # of months to complete, then the number of months entered must be within a

certain range, as outlined below:

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is less than or equal to 900 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be less than or equal to 12 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is between 901 and 1799 hours, then the # of months

to complete must be between 12 and 23 months.

◦ If the value entered for Total length of program is greater than or equal to 1800 hours, then the # of

months to complete must be greater than or equal to 24 months.

Top

Part E: Athletic Association

Applicable to 2-year and 4-year institutions

On this screen, you must provide information related to your institution’s national athletic association membership. An answer

must be provided for both questions.

For Question E1, you must first select Yes or No to indicate if your institution is a member of a national athletic association. If

Yes is selected, then you must check all associations that apply from the following options:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

• United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)

• National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)

• Other

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

following sports:

• Football

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Cross country and/or track
If Yes is selected for any of the sports listed above, then you must use the adjacent drop-down menu to specify your

institution’s Conference affiliation for that sport.

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

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is a member of the NCAA and/or NAIA, then you must select

Yes and specify a conference for at least one sport in Question E2.

• If you indicated in Question E1 that your institution is NOT a member of the NCAA or the NAIA, then you are

expected to select No for all sports in Question E2.

Top

Part F: Campus Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

Pricing Questions

The questions found on this screen will determine which types of screens your institution is shown in Part F. An answer must

be provided for each of the following screening questions.

• Does your institution offer institutionally-controlled housing (either on-campus or off-campus)? Choose Yes or

No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will be asked to report on-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

• Are all full-time, first-time, degree/certificate-seeking students required to live on-campus or in institutionallycontrolled housing? Choose Yes or No.

◦ If you select Yes, you will not be asked to report off-campus room and board charges on the next screen.

Note: If your institution makes numerous exceptions to this rule, and many students are living off-campus,

answer No to the above question so that your data does not conflict with data entered in the Student Financial Aid

survey.

Next, you must report the amount your institution charges for application fees. This amount is expected to be less than or

equal to $100.

Price of Attendance

Applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time enrollment

On this screen, you must provide information related to the largest program of study offered at your institution by using the link

provided to select the relevant CIP Code and entering the requested information for the specified program.

Note: For the purposes of reporting these data, the largest program is considered to be that with the most students; NOT the

program with the longest length. All costs should be reported for the entire length of the program.

You must provide the following information:

• CIP Code

• Total length of program

• Program length reporting method (Choose Contact hours or Credit hours)

• Average number of months it takes a full-time student to complete this program

You must enter price of attendance data for full-time, first-time undergraduate students for the four most recent academic

years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The available options will depend on your answer to the corresponding

question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

For each of the above listed academic years, you must provide published Tuition and fees charges, as well as the average

cost of Books and supplies a typical student at your institution should expect to pay for the entire academic year.

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

• For each academic year, the value entered for Tuition and fees must be greater than $500.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the reported value for Tuition and fees must be within a

20% range of the prior year value.

• For each academic year, a value must be reported for Books and supplies.

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

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, if a value greater than 0 is reported for both the current and

prior year Books and supplies charges, then the current year value is expected to be within a 25% range of the

prior year value.

For the next section of this screen, you must provide data on the cost of room and board and estimated other expenses (e.g.,

laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc.) for full-time, first-time undergraduate students at your institution for the four most

recent academic years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13). The living arrangements shown may vary to include any or

all of On campus, Off campus (not with family), and Off campus (with family). The available options will depend on your

answer to the corresponding question on the Pricing Questions screen outlined above.

Amounts must be provided for both Room and board and Other expenses for all applicable living arrangements and

academic years.

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

• For each academic year, the Room and board amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $500.

• For each academic year, the Other expenses amount reported for all applicable living arrangements must be

greater than $100.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, current year Room and board amount reported for students

living On-campus must be within a 40% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Room and board amount reported for

students living Off-campus (not with family) must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

• For academic years 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, the current year Other expenses amount reported for all

applicable living arrangements must be within a 20% range of the prior year amount.

2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for private 2-yr institutions

Part A - Educational Offerings 

1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]

If your institution does not offer occupational or academic programs, you are not expected to complete this or any other

IPEDS survey.

    Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

Secondary (high school)
Part A - System Office 

2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure

Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the

institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from

system name.

If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this

question is blank.

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same

way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
Part B - Organization - Control and Levels 

1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?

Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the

IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If

you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.

    Public - Select primary

and or secondary controls

below

Primary control Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       

Private for-profit

Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)

Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the

number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is

meant only to provide context.

The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We

expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.

    Award Level

BELOW THE BACCALAUREATE:

1 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)

      - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - less than 45 quarter credit hours

2 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic

years)

      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

3 Associate's degree

4 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic

years)

      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - 90 or more quarter credit hours

BACCALAUREATE AND ABOVE:

5 Bachelor's degree or equivalent

6 Postbaccalaureate certificate

7 Master's degree

8 Post-master's certificate

17 Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

18 Doctor's degree - professional practice

19 Doctor's degree - Other

12 Other (specify in box below)

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

Select One

Select One

Select One
Part B - Organization - Calendar System 

Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics

student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the

spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.

If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]

   

Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.

Semester                                                                                                    

Quarter

Trimester

4-1-4 or similar plan

Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data

based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and

student charges data by PROGRAM.

Differs by program

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

Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method (Standard academic terms, other academic calendar)

Selecting the hybrid calendar type determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data based on a

FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and student charges

data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment 

4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?

Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data

(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.

Full-time Part-time

Students in academic or occupational programs No Yes No Yes

First-time students No Yes No Yes

6. For academic year 2009-10, 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 2009-10 cohort in the

spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates

for the cohort year requested. If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students on the 2009-10

Fall Enrollment survey, the data will be preloaded below.

No

This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time

degree/certificate-seeking students.

This institution was not in operation in 2009-10.

Yes

Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) 
Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered 

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution

during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.

No

Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.

Undergraduate

Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational Offerings and System

Part B - Organization

Part C - Operation

Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect

basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These

data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS

surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so

please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk

(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question

determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so

please respond accurately.

• The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

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 (2011-

12) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

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.
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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 courses not creditable toward a formal award

• Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

• Students exclusively auditing classes

• Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have

already received their Doctor's degree

• Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution

is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal

• Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

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

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational offerings
Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions

and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined

as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for

students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is

occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult

basic education programs.

If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by

IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,

Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)

Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the

institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.

Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not

limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health

organizations.

Do not include:

• coordinating systems

• single institution owner

• single institution corporate name

• single institution governing board

• consortia

• associations

• religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation

Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution

has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.

Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is

optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or

affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public

on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in

incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If

you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.

Award levels

Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are

identified based on duration and/or awards.

• Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system

(e.g., semester or quarter).

◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1

but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally

be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

▪ One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester

credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.

• Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the

baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to

describe these levels.

• Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to

make formal awards.

• Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.

• If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12

(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that

fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.
Calendar system

Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are

offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If

there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best

characterizes your institution.

If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS

Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure

to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS

Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.

• Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)

◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall

reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into

the next year's Student Financial Aid component.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

• Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length

of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living

expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported

with the largest program.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.

• Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,

please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this

calendar system for your institution.)

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment

Enrollment of full- and part-time students.

Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all

levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition

charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall

Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.

• Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as

this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics

screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection. 

Doctor's - professional practice

Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.

If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the

listed programs, indicate no. 

GRS cohort question.

• 4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students

enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate

Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

• Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time

degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must

report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation

New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior

academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.
 Image description. Top of Page End of image description.

Part D - Branch campus

For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/8/2012

Term Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system) The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and

4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,

writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high

school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the

postsecondary level.

Associate's degree An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to

produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in

occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of

Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)

program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,

industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their

college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed

in 3 years.

Calendar system The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

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

as clock hour.

Continuing professional

education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a

professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional

training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes

at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might

allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on

a certain date.

Control (of institution) A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public

control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from

private sources (private control).

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official

recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program

(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational

programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the

program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,

September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a

doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree -

research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including

the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and

execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some

examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,

as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or

continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or

avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that

are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation

Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or

certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.
First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or

occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the

first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is

considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

Full-year cohort The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August

31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that

primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to

be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious

group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously

affiliated.

Less than 2-year

institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the

baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed

1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable

levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of

recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels

indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of

study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less

than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by

a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time

equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.

Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified

as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient

knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar

system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting

institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24

contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter

credits.

Post-master's certificate An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit

hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the

doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate

certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit

hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,

but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 1 but less than 2

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at

least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock

hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 2 but less than 4

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in

at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or

clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

(less than 1 academic

year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or

designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter

credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than

wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,

usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected

or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other

than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.
Programs of at least 2

years but less than 4

years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,

including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than

3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4

years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,

diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other

baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those

programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2

years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6

quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal

award.

Public institution An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or

appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar

system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12

weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an

additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar

system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with

about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar

system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?

2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I

report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.

Back to top

2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake

in the fall?

It is important to report IC Header data correctly the first time, as changes to this component affect all of the

other surveys. If you made an error that impacts your ability to respond appropriately to other components,

call the Help Desk at 877-225-2568, and they will change the necessary data. For example, if you indicated

that you do not enroll any full-time, first-time students (thus no GRS or SFA surveys are generated), you

may correct your answer so that you can complete this survey.

Back to top
2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/8/2012

IC Header 2-yr institutions

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics Header Component

Applicable to 2-year institutions

Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.

Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to

determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Educational Offerings

Part B: Organization

Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Part D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office

Educational Offerings

On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable

types from the following options:

• Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

• Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

• Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of

the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:

• Occupational

• Academic

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then

completion of this survey is mandatory.

An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:

• Recreational or avocational

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your

institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.

System Office

You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 

• No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution.

• Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls

the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,

or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your

organization. 

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

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Part B: Organization

Control/affiliation

On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

• Public

• Private for-profit

• Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)

• Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided

(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).

An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu

provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).
Award Levels

You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.

Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels

for all credit programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Postbaccalaureate certificate

• Master's degree

• Post-master's certificate

• Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

• Doctor's degree - professional practice

• Doctor's degree - Other

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Calendar System

On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will

determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

Academic Year Reporting Method

If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard

academic terms below:

• Semester

• Quarter

• Trimester

• 4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.

Program Reporting Method

If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit

hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:

• Differs by programs

• Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based

on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.

Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method

• Hybrid (Other academic calendar)

Note: Selecting Other academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data

based on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.

If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further

assistance.

Student Enrollment

Applicable to public, 2-year institutions only
This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution

must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full

-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

• Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

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

• Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.

• You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.

• You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

students.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on

a Full-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or

occupational programs) students on a Full-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on

a Part-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or

occupational programs) students on a Part-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls Undergraduate students, you must select at least one Award Level

at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, you must select at least one Award Level above

the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

• If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the

current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.

• If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data

(in the spring collection) for this cohort.

Student Enrollment

Applicable to private, 2-year institutions only

This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution

must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full

-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:

• Students in academic or occupational programs

• First-time students

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

• Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.

• You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.

• You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time students.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Full-time basis, then you must also report

that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Full-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Part-time basis, then you must also report

that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Part-time basis.

• If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the

current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.

• If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time students

determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:

• For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:

• This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.

• This institution was not in operation in 2009-2010.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment

survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.

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

• If you responded Yes to this question:
◦ you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the spring collection; and

◦ you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and

Levels screen.

• If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes

to this question; and vice versa.

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Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Applicable to new institutions ONLY

If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following

question:

• Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2011-12

academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:

• Undergraduate

• Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

•

• Doctor's professional

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Part D: Campus Award Levels

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that

campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable

award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Postbaccalaureate certificate

• Master's degree

• Post-master's certificate

• Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

• Doctor's degree - professional practice

• Doctor's degree - Other

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:

• Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students? 

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2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for public 2-yr institutions

Part A - Educational Offerings 

1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]

If your institution does not offer occupational or academic programs, you are not expected to complete this or any other

IPEDS survey.

    Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

Secondary (high school)
Part A - System Office 

2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure

Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the

institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from

system name.

If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this

question is blank.

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same

way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
Part B - Organization - Control and Levels 

1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?

Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the

IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If

you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.

    Public - Select primary

and or secondary controls

below

Primary control Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       

Private for-profit

Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)

Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the

number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is

meant only to provide context.

The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We

expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.

    Award Level

BELOW THE BACCALAUREATE:

1 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)

      - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - less than 45 quarter credit hours

2 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic

years)

      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

3 Associate's degree

4 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic

years)

      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - 90 or more quarter credit hours

BACCALAUREATE AND ABOVE:

5 Bachelor's degree or equivalent

6 Postbaccalaureate certificate

7 Master's degree

8 Post-master's certificate

17 Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

18 Doctor's degree - professional practice

19 Doctor's degree - Other

12 Other (specify in box below)

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

Select One

Select One

Select One
Part B - Organization - Calendar System 

Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics

student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the

spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.

If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]

   

Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.

Semester                                                                                                    

Quarter

Trimester

4-1-4 or similar plan

Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data

based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and

student charges data by PROGRAM.

Differs by program

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

Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method (Standard academic terms, other academic calendar)

Selecting the hybrid calendar type determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data based on a

FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and student charges

data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment 

4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?

Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data

(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.

Full-time Part-time

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs) No Yes No Yes

First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate No Yes No Yes

Graduate (not including doctor's professional) No Yes No Yes

6. For academic year 2009-10, 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 2009-10 cohort in the

spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates

for the cohort year requested. If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students on the 2009-10

Fall Enrollment survey, the data will be preloaded below.

No

This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time

degree/certificate-seeking students.

This institution was not in operation in 2009-10.

Yes

Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) 
Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered 

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution

during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.

No

Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.

Undergraduate

Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational Offerings and System

Part B - Organization

Part C - Operation

Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect

basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These

data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS

surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so

please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk

(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question

determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so

please respond accurately.

• The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

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 (2011-

12) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

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.
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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 courses not creditable toward a formal award

• Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

• Students exclusively auditing classes

• Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have

already received their Doctor's degree

• Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution

is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal

• Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

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

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational offerings
Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions

and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined

as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for

students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is

occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult

basic education programs.

If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by

IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,

Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)

Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the

institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.

Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not

limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health

organizations.

Do not include:

• coordinating systems

• single institution owner

• single institution corporate name

• single institution governing board

• consortia

• associations

• religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation

Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution

has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.

Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is

optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or

affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public

on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in

incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If

you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.

Award levels

Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are

identified based on duration and/or awards.

• Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system

(e.g., semester or quarter).

◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1

but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally

be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

▪ One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester

credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.

• Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the

baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to

describe these levels.

• Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to

make formal awards.

• Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.

• If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12

(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that

fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.
Calendar system

Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are

offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If

there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best

characterizes your institution.

If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS

Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure

to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS

Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.

• Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)

◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall

reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into

the next year's Student Financial Aid component.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

• Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length

of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living

expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported

with the largest program.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.

• Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,

please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this

calendar system for your institution.)

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment

Enrollment of full- and part-time students.

Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all

levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition

charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall

Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.

• Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as

this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics

screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection. 

Doctor's - professional practice

Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.

If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the

listed programs, indicate no. 

GRS cohort question.

• 4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students

enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate

Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

• Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time

degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must

report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation

New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior

academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.
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Part D - Branch campus

For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/8/2012

Term Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system) The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and

4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,

writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high

school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the

postsecondary level.

Associate's degree An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to

produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in

occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of

Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)

program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,

industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their

college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed

in 3 years.

Calendar system The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

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

as clock hour.

Continuing professional

education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a

professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional

training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes

at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might

allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on

a certain date.

Control (of institution) A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public

control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from

private sources (private control).

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official

recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program

(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational

programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the

program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,

September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a

doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree -

research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including

the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and

execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some

examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,

as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or

continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or

avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that

are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation

Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or

certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.
First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or

occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the

first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is

considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

Full-year cohort The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August

31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that

primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to

be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious

group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously

affiliated.

Less than 2-year

institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the

baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed

1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable

levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of

recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels

indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of

study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less

than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by

a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time

equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.

Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified

as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient

knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar

system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting

institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24

contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter

credits.

Post-master's certificate An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit

hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the

doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate

certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit

hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,

but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 1 but less than 2

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at

least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock

hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 2 but less than 4

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in

at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or

clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

(less than 1 academic

year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or

designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter

credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than

wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,

usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected

or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other

than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.
Programs of at least 2

years but less than 4

years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,

including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than

3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4

years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,

diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other

baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those

programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2

years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6

quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal

award.

Public institution An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or

appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar

system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12

weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an

additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar

system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with

about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar

system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?

2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I

report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.

Back to top

2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake

in the fall?

It is important to report IC Header data correctly the first time, as changes to this component affect all of the

other surveys. If you made an error that impacts your ability to respond appropriately to other components,

call the Help Desk at 877-225-2568, and they will change the necessary data. For example, if you indicated

that you do not enroll any full-time, first-time students (thus no GRS or SFA surveys are generated), you

may correct your answer so that you can complete this survey.

Back to top
2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/8/2012

IC Header 2-yr institutions

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics Header Component

Applicable to 2-year institutions

Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.

Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to

determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Educational Offerings

Part B: Organization

Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Part D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office

Educational Offerings

On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable

types from the following options:

• Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

• Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

• Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of

the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:

• Occupational

• Academic

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then

completion of this survey is mandatory.

An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:

• Recreational or avocational

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your

institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.

System Office

You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 

• No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution.

• Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls

the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,

or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your

organization. 

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

Top

Part B: Organization

Control/affiliation

On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

• Public

• Private for-profit

• Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)

• Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided

(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).

An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu

provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).
Award Levels

You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.

Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels

for all credit programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Postbaccalaureate certificate

• Master's degree

• Post-master's certificate

• Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

• Doctor's degree - professional practice

• Doctor's degree - Other

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Calendar System

On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will

determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

Academic Year Reporting Method

If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard

academic terms below:

• Semester

• Quarter

• Trimester

• 4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.

Program Reporting Method

If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit

hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:

• Differs by programs

• Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based

on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.

Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method

• Hybrid (Other academic calendar)

Note: Selecting Other academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data

based on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.

If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further

assistance.

Student Enrollment

Applicable to public, 2-year institutions only
This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution

must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full

-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

• Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

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

• Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.

• You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.

• You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

students.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on

a Full-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or

occupational programs) students on a Full-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on

a Part-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or

occupational programs) students on a Part-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls Undergraduate students, you must select at least one Award Level

at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, you must select at least one Award Level above

the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

• If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the

current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.

• If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data

(in the spring collection) for this cohort.

Student Enrollment

Applicable to private, 2-year institutions only

This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution

must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full

-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:

• Students in academic or occupational programs

• First-time students

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

• Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.

• You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.

• You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time students.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Full-time basis, then you must also report

that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Full-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Part-time basis, then you must also report

that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Part-time basis.

• If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the

current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.

• If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time students

determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:

• For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:

• This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.

• This institution was not in operation in 2009-2010.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment

survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.

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

• If you responded Yes to this question:
◦ you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the spring collection; and

◦ you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and

Levels screen.

• If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes

to this question; and vice versa.

Top

Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Applicable to new institutions ONLY

If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following

question:

• Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2011-12

academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:

• Undergraduate

• Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

•

• Doctor's professional

Top

Part D: Campus Award Levels

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that

campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable

award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Postbaccalaureate certificate

• Master's degree

• Post-master's certificate

• Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

• Doctor's degree - professional practice

• Doctor's degree - Other

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:

• Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students? 

Top
2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for 4-yr institutions

Part A - Educational Offerings 

1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]

If your institution does not offer occupational, academic or continuing professional programs, you are not expected to

complete this or any other IPEDS survey.

    Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

Continuing professional (postbaccalaureate only)

Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

Secondary (high school)
Part A - System Office 

2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure

Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the

institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from

system name.

If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this

question is blank.

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same

way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
Part B - Organization - Control and Levels 

1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?

Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the

IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If

you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.

    Public - Select primary

and or secondary controls

below

Primary control Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       

Private for-profit

Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)

Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the

number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is

meant only to provide context.

The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We

expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.

    Award Level

BELOW THE BACCALAUREATE:

1 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)

      - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - less than 45 quarter credit hours

2 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic

years)

      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

3 Associate's degree

4 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic

years)

      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - 90 or more quarter credit hours

BACCALAUREATE AND ABOVE:

5 Bachelor's degree or equivalent

6 Postbaccalaureate certificate

7 Master's degree

8 Post-master's certificate

17 Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

18 Doctor's degree - professional practice

19 Doctor's degree - Other

12 Other (specify in box below)

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

Select One

Select One

Select One
Part B - Organization - Calendar System 

Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics

student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the

spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.

If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]

   

Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.

Semester                                                                                                    

Quarter

Trimester

4-1-4 or similar plan

Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data

based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and

student charges data by PROGRAM.

Differs by program

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

Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method (Standard academic terms, other academic calendar)

Selecting the hybrid calendar type determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data based on a

FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and student charges

data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.

Hybrid (Other academic calendar)
Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment 

4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?

Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data

(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.

Full-time Part-time

Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs) No Yes No Yes

First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate No Yes No Yes

Graduate (not including doctor's professional) No Yes No Yes

5. Does your institution enroll students in doctor's - professional practice programs?

No

Yes

Do you enroll students in one of the following?

Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O.), Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.), Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.),

Law (J.D.)

No  

Yes

6. For Fall 2006, did your institution have any full-time first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in

programs at the baccalaureate level or below?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2006-07 cohort in the

spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates

for the cohort year requested.

If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2006-07 Enrollment survey, the

data will be preloaded below.

No

This institution did not enroll full-time, firsttime (undergraduate) students.

This institution did not offer programs at or

below the baccalaureate level.

This institution was not in operation in 2006-

07.

Yes

Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2006-07 Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) 
Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered 

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution

during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.

No

Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.

Undergraduate

Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

Doctor's professional
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational Offerings and System

Part B - Organization

Part C - Operation

Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect

basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These

data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS

surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so

please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk

(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question

determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so

please respond accurately.

• The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

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 (2011-

12) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

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.
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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 courses not creditable toward a formal award

• Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

• Students exclusively auditing classes

• Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have

already received their Doctor's degree

• Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution

is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal

• Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

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

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational offerings
Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions

and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined

as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for

students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is

occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult

basic education programs.

If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by

IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,

Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)

Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the

institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.

Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not

limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health

organizations.

Do not include:

• coordinating systems

• single institution owner

• single institution corporate name

• single institution governing board

• consortia

• associations

• religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation

Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution

has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.

Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is

optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or

affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public

on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in

incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If

you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.

Award levels

Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are

identified based on duration and/or awards.

• Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system

(e.g., semester or quarter).

◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1

but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally

be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

▪ One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester

credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.

• Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the

baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to

describe these levels.

• Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to

make formal awards.

• Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.

• If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12

(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that

fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.
Calendar system

Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are

offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If

there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best

characterizes your institution.

If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS

Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure

to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS

Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.

• Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)

◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall

reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into

the next year's Student Financial Aid component.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

• Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length

of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living

expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported

with the largest program.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.

• Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,

please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this

calendar system for your institution.)

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment

Enrollment of full- and part-time students.

Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all

levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition

charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall

Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.

• Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as

this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics

screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection. 

Doctor's - professional practice

Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.

If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the

listed programs, indicate no. 

GRS cohort question.

• 4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students

enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate

Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

• Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time

degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must

report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation

New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior

academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.
 Image description. Top of Page End of image description.

Part D - Branch campus

For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/8/2012

Term Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system) The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and

4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,

writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high

school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the

postsecondary level.

Associate's degree An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to

produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in

occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of

Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)

program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,

industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their

college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed

in 3 years.

Calendar system The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

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

as clock hour.

Continuing professional

education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a

professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional

training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes

at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might

allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on

a certain date.

Control (of institution) A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public

control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from

private sources (private control).

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official

recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program

(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational

programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the

program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,

September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a

doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree -

research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including

the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and

execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some

examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,

as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or

continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or

avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that

are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation

Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or

certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.
First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or

occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the

first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is

considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

Full-year cohort The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August

31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that

primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to

be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious

group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously

affiliated.

Less than 2-year

institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the

baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed

1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable

levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of

recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels

indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of

study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less

than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by

a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time

equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.

Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified

as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient

knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar

system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting

institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24

contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter

credits.

Post-master's certificate An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit

hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the

doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate

certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit

hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,

but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 1 but less than 2

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at

least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock

hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 2 but less than 4

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in

at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or

clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

(less than 1 academic

year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or

designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter

credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than

wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,

usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected

or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other

than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.
Programs of at least 2

years but less than 4

years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,

including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than

3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4

years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,

diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other

baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those

programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2

years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6

quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal

award.

Public institution An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or

appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar

system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12

weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an

additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar

system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with

about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar

system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?

2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I

report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.

Back to top

2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake

in the fall?

It is important to report IC Header data correctly the first time, as changes to this component affect all of the

other surveys. If you made an error that impacts your ability to respond appropriately to other components,

call the Help Desk at 877-225-2568, and they will change the necessary data. For example, if you indicated

that you do not enroll any full-time, first-time students (thus no GRS or SFA surveys are generated), you

may correct your answer so that you can complete this survey.

Back to top
2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/8/2012

IC Header 4-yr institutions

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics Header Component

Applicable to 4-year institutions

Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.

Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to

determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office

Part B: Organization

Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Part D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office

Educational Offerings

On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable

types from the following options:

• Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

• Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

• Continuing professional (postbaccalaureate only)

• Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of

the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:

• Occupational

• Academic

• Continuing professional

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then

completion of this survey is mandatory.

An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:

• Recreational or avocational

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your

institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.

System Office

You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 

• No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution.

• Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls

the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,

or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your

organization. 

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

Top

Part B: Organization

Control/affiliation

On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

• Public

• Private for-profit

• Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)

• Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided

(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).
An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu

provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).

Award Levels

You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.

Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels

for all credit programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Postbaccalaureate certificate

• Master's degree

• Post-master's certificate

• Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

• Doctor's degree - professional practice

• Doctor's degree - Other

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Calendar System

On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will

determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

Academic Year Reporting Method

If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard

academic terms below:

• Semester

• Quarter

• Trimester

• 4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR. 

Program Reporting Method

If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit

hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:

• Differs by programs

• Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based

on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.

Hybrid/Mixed Reporting Method

• Hybrid (Other academic calendar)

Note: Selecting Other academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data

based on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.
If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further

assistance.

Student Enrollment

This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution

must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full

-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:

• Undergraduate (academic or occupational programs)

• First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

• Graduate(not including doctor's professional)

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

• Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.

• You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.

• You cannot answer No for both Full- and Part-time First-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate

students.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on

a Full-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or

occupational programs) students on a Full-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on

a Part-time basis, then you must also report that your institution enrolls Undergraduate (academic or

occupational programs) students on a Part-time basis.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls Undergraduate students, you must select at least one Award Level

at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls Graduate students, you must select at least one Award Level above

the baccalaureate level on the Control and Levels screen.

• If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the

current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.

• If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection.

Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that

your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.

Doctor’s Professional Programs

Applicable to those institutions that indicated on the Control and Levels screen that they offer Doctor's degree -

professional practice

Next, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:

• Does your institution enroll students in doctor's professional programs?

If yes, respond with a Yes or No as to whether your institution enrolls students in any of the following Doctor’s Professional

Programs:

• Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.)

• Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)

• Medicine (M.D.)

• Optometry (O.D.)

• Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

• Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

• Podiatry (Pod.D., D.P., or D.P.M.)

• Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)

• Law (J.D.)

Note: Your response here will determine whether you will report selected Doctor’s - Professional Practice tuitions in the Institutional

Characteristics survey.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with a Yes or No to the following question:

• For Fall 2006, did your institution have any full-time first-time degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in

programs at the baccalaureate level or below?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:

• This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.

• This institution did not offer programs at or below the baccalaureate level.

• This institution was not in operation in 2006-07.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2006-07 Fall Enrollment

survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.

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

• If you responded Yes to this question:
◦ you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2006-07 cohort in the spring collection; and

◦ you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and

Levels screen.

• If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes

to this question; and vice versa.

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Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Applicable to new institutions ONLY

If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following

question:

• Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2011-12

academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:

• Undergraduate

• Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

• Doctor's professional

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Part D: Campus Award Levels

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that

campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable

award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Postbaccalaureate certificate

• Master's degree

• Post-master's certificate

• Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

• Doctor's degree - professional practice

• Doctor's degree - Other

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:

• Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students? 

Top
2012-13 Survey Materials > Form date: 8/8/2012

IC Header for less than 2-year institutions

Part A - Educational Offerings 

1. Which of the following types of instruction/programs are offered by your institution? [Check one or more]

If your institution does not offer occupational or academic programs, you are not expected to complete this or any other

IPEDS survey.

    Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

Secondary (high school)
Part A - System Office 

2. System, Governing Board or Corporate Structure

Is the institution part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls the

institution? Do NOT indicate a religious affiliation here. That information is collected separately and differs from

system name.

If you need assistance, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-225-2568. You will not be able to lock your submission if this

question is blank.

No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution.

If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns,

governs, or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same

way as other institutions in your organization.                                                  
Part B - Organization - Control and Levels 

1. What is your institutional control or affiliation?

Be sure to select the correct control for your institution. Errors on this question have an impact throughout the

IPEDS surveys, in federal reporting, in net price groupings, and on your institutions appearance to students. If

you reported incorrectly in a previous year, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 to correct the error.

    Public - Select primary

and or secondary controls

below

Primary control Secondary control (if applicable)                                                       

Private for-profit

Private not-for-profit independent (no religious affiliation)

Private not-for-profit religious affiliation - Select affiliation below

2. What award levels are offered by your institution? [Check all that apply]

When reporting award levels for sub baccalaureate certificates (levels 1, 2, and 4), determine program length by the

number of credit or contact hours, NOT the academic year length in parentheses. The academic year length is meant

only to provide context.

The 'Other' award level should not be used unless your program truly does not fit any of the other award levels. We

expect very few institutions to fit the 'Other' category.

Award Level

1 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (less than one academic year)

      - less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

      - less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - less than 45 quarter credit hours

2 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least one but less than two academic

years)

      - at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

      - at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

3 Associate's degree

4 Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of (at least two but less than four academic

years)

      - 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

      - 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

      - 90 or more quarter credit hours

12 Other (specify in box below)

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

Select One

Select One

Select One
Part B - Organization - Calendar System 

Your response to the next question determines how your institution reports Institutional Characteristics

student charges data in the fall, Student Financial Aid data in the spring, and Graduation Rates data in the

spring. It also impacts the net price calculation in the Student Financial Aid survey.

If the calendar system differs from prior year or requires a change, please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

3. What is the predominant calendar system at the institution? [Choose one]

Program Reporting Method (Other calendar system)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Graduation Rates data

based on a FULL YEAR COHORT, Student Financial Aid data on the 3 month cohort from Fall Enrollment, and

student charges data by PROGRAM.

Differs by program

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

   

Academic Year Reporting Method (Standard academic terms)

Selecting one of the following calendar types determines that your institution will provide Student Financial Aid and

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a full ACADEMIC YEAR.

Semester                                                                                                    

Quarter

Trimester

4-1-4 or similar plan
Part B - Organization - Student Enrollment 

4. Does your institution enroll any of the following types of students?

Include all levels offered by your institution, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to this question determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for full-time, first-time,

degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students determines that your institution must report cost of attendance data

(on the IC component) and Student Financial Aid data for these students.

Full-time Part-time

Students in academic or occupational programs No Yes No Yes

First-time students No Yes No Yes

6. For academic year 2009-10, 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 2009-10 cohort in the

spring collection. If you answer No to this question, indicate the reason you are not required to report Graduation Rates

for the cohort year requested. If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students on the 2009-10

Fall Enrollment survey, the data will be preloaded below.

No

This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time

degree/certificate-seeking students.

This institution was not in operation in 2009-10.

Yes

Full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students from 2009-10 Fall Enrollment survey (GR Cohort) 
Part C - Levels of Enrollment Offered 

Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2011-12?

If you answer Yes to this question, you will be required to specify the levels of enrollment offered at your institution

during 2011-12 and to report 12 month enrollment during the fall collection.

No

Yes. Please specify the levels of enrollment offered during 2011-12.

Undergraduate

Graduate (not including doctor's professional)
Prepared by 

This survey component was prepared by:

Keyholder (SFA,HR,F) Contact Other

Name:

Email:

How long did it take to prepare this survey component? hours minutes
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2012-13 Survey Materials > Instructions date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Purpose of Institutional Characteristics Header Survey

Changes in Reporting

General Instructions

Reporting Period for Institutional Characteristics- Header

Context Boxes

Coverage

Where to Get Help

Where the Data Will Appear

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational Offerings and System

Part B - Organization

Part C - Operation

Part D - Branch Campus

Purpose of Survey

The primary purpose of the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Header (IC-H) survey is to collect

basic institutional data including control or affiliation, calendar system, and award levels. These

data key to accurate reporting as they are used to determine the reporting for other IPEDS

surveys. Any errors in the IC-H survey can lead to further errors in the data reporting process, so

please be very careful in reporting these data correctly, and contact the IPEDS Help Desk

(877.225.2568) if you have any questions.

Changes in reporting

The following changes were implemented for the 2012-13 data collection period.

• The question for doctor's degree granting institutions has been revised for clarity. This question

determines applicability of graduate tuition screens in the Institutional Characteristics component, so

please respond accurately.

• The calendar system question setup has been changed for clarity.

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 (2011-

12) and is used to determine the applicability of the 12-Month Enrollment survey.

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.
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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 courses not creditable toward a formal award

• Students enrolled exclusively in Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

• Students exclusively auditing classes

• Residents or interns in Doctor's - professional practice (previously first-professional), since they have

already received their Doctor's degree

• Any student studying abroad (e.g., at a foreign university) if their enrollment at the 'home' institution

is only an administrative record and the fee is nominal

• Students in any branch campus located in a foreign country

Where to Get Help

IPEDS Data Collection Help Desk

Phone: 1-877-225-2568

Email: ipedshelp@rti.org

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.

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

Reporting Directions

Part A - Educational offerings
Responses on this screen verify inclusion of the institution on the NCES/IPEDS list of institutions

and agencies that provide all types of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education is defined

as the provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for

students beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is

occupational, academic, or continuing professional education but excludes avocational and adult

basic education programs.

If you select only avocational and/or adult basic education programs, you will be contacted by

IPEDS to confirm your exemption from IPEDS reporting.

Part A - Multi-institution or multi-campus organization (System,

Governing Board, or Corporate Structure)

Indicate whether a multi-institution or multi-campus organization owns, governs, or controls the

institution, and if so, provide the name of the organization (if any). A multi-institution or multicampus organization includes organizations with two or more institutions or campuses.

Non-postsecondary education agencies that govern or control institutions include, but are not

limited to, public school districts, art organizations, hospitals and other medical/health

organizations.

Do not include:

• coordinating systems

• single institution owner

• single institution corporate name

• single institution governing board

• consortia

• associations

• religious affiliation (requested in control question)

Part B – Organization

Institutional control or affiliation

Indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which the institution operates. If the institution

has a religious affiliation, select the denomination from the list provided in the drop-down box.

Public institutions must designate a primary control; identification of a secondary control is

optional. If control of the institution differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact

the IPEDS Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Correct reporting of control or affiliation is KEY to IPEDS reporting. Errors in reporting control or

affiliation cause you to receive incorrect survey forms, misrepresents your institution to the public

on College Navigator and other search tools that use IPEDS data, and places your institution in

incorrect groups in IPEDS publications and on the College Affordability and Transparency Lists. If

you do not know the control or affiliation of your institution, please call the Help Desk.

Award levels

Check applicable award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution. Award levels are

identified based on duration and/or awards.

• Report using the number of CONTACT or CREDIT hours, as is appropriate to your calendar system

(e.g., semester or quarter).

◦ References to length of study are the equivalent of full-time academic years; that is, at least 1

but less than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally

be completed by a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

▪ One academic year equals 900 contact or clock hours of instruction, 30 semester

credit hours or its equivalent, or 45 quarter credit hours.

• Award levels 1, 2, and 4 differ by length of programs and refer to completions below the

baccalaureate degree. Use the IPEDS designations, not institutionally defined designations, to

describe these levels.

• Award levels 3, 5, 7, 17, 18 and 19 indicate degree levels for which the institution is authorized to

make formal awards.

• Award levels 6 and 8 indicate certificate levels.

• If you cannot classify an award within the award levels indicated on the screen, check award level 12

(Other) and specify or describe the award in the context box. Because there are few programs that

fall under ‘Other’ please contact the Help Desk if you are considering selecting Level 12.
Calendar system

Indicate the predominant calendar system under which the institution operates. If programs are

offered on more than one calendar, select the system under which most programs are offered. If

there is no predominant calendar system at your institution, select the option that best

characterizes your institution.

If your calendar system differs from the prior year or requires a change, please contact the IPEDS

Help Desk at 877.225.2568.

Note: Calendar system selection determines reporting in many other IPEDS components. Be sure

to choose the calendar system you select accurately represents your institution. Contact the IPEDS

Help Desk if you are not sure which calendar system to select.

• Standard academic terms (semesters, quarters, trimesters, 4-1-4)

◦ Use a fall cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled as of October 15, or the official fall

reporting date used by the institution. This fall enrollment cohort will be preloaded into

the next year's Student Financial Aid component.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

• Program-by-program or continuous enrollment basis

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report tuition and fees and books and supplies information by program for the entire length

of the program. For living expenses, report costs for 4 weeks (1 month). Note: Living

expenses are only applicable to institutions with full-time, first-time students and are reported

with the largest program.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for the largest program for an academic year.

• Hybrid academic calendar (If you are considering selecting the ‘Other academic calendar’ option,

please contact the Help Desk at 877.225.2568 so they can confirm the appropriateness of this

calendar system for your institution.)

◦ Use a full-year cohort for Graduation Rates.

◦ Report Fall Enrollment using students enrolled in the institution at any time between

August 1 and October 31.

◦ Report tuition and fees and cost information based on a full academic year.

◦ For Student Financial Aid, report aid for an academic year.

Student enrollment

Enrollment of full- and part-time students.

Indicate whether your institution enrolls any full-time or part-time students at the levels listed. Include all

levels offered, even if there are not any students currently enrolled at that level.

Responses to those categories will determine the screens generated for reporting academic year tuition

charges in the Institutional Characteristics survey during the Fall collection and enrollment data in the Fall

Enrollment survey during the Spring collection.

• Make sure to check Yes for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking students if applicable, as

this determines that your institution will report cost (price) information on Institutional Characteristics

screens in Part D and Student Financial Aid information during the Spring collection. 

Doctor's - professional practice

Indicate whether your institution offers any of the listed Doctor's - professional practice programs.

If your institution offers Doctor's -professional practice programs but does not offer any of the

listed programs, indicate no. 

GRS cohort question.

• 4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time undergraduate students

enrolled in programs at the baccalaureate level or below in academic year 2006-07. If you indicate

Yes, you must report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

• Less-than-4-year institutions. Indicate if your institution had any full-time, first-time

degree/certificate-seeking students enrolled in academic year 2009-10. If you check Yes, you must

report Graduation Rates data in the Spring.

Part C - Operation

New institutions should indicate whether their institution was in operation during the prior

academic year. If the response is ‘Yes’, they should also indicate the levels that were offered.
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Part D - Branch campus

For branch campuses, refer to the instructions on the appropriate screen.
Glossary date: 8/8/2012

Term Definition

4-1-4 (calendar system) The 4-1-4 calendar usually consists of 4 courses taken for 4 months, 1 course taken for 1 month, and

4 courses taken for 4 months. There may be an additional summer session.

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

Academic year The period of time generally extending from September to June; usually equated to 2 semesters or

trimesters, 3 quarters, or the period covered by a 4-1-4 calendar system.

Adult basic education Courses designed primarily for students 16 years of age and older to improve basic skills in reading,

writing, and arithmetic. These courses are not intended to be part of a program leading to a high

school credential, nor are they part of any academic, occupational, or vocational program at the

postsecondary level.

Associate's degree An award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work.

Avocational programs Instructional programs in personal interest and leisure categories whose expressed intent is not to

produce postsecondary credits , nor to lead to a formal award or an academic degree, nor result in

occupationally specific skills.

Bachelor's degree An award (baccalaureate or equivalent degree, as determined by the Secretary, U.S. Department of

Education) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent collegelevel work. This includes all bachelor's degrees conferred in a 5-year cooperative (work-study)

program. A cooperative plan provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business,

industry, or government; thus, it allows students to combine actual work experience with their

college studies. Also includes bachelor's degrees in which the normal 4 years of work are completed

in 3 years.

Calendar system The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the academic year.

Certificate A formal award certifying the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary education program.

Cohort A specific group of students established for tracking purposes.

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

as clock hour.

Continuing professional

education

Programs and courses designed specifically for individuals who have completed a degree in a

professional field (such as law, medicine, dentistry, education, or social work) to obtain additional

training in their particular field of study.

Continuous basis A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that allow students to enroll/start classes

at any time during the year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might

allow students to enroll and begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on

a certain date.

Control (of institution) A classification of whether an institution is operated by publicly elected or appointed officials (public

control) or by privately elected or appointed officials and derives its major source of funds from

private sources (private control).

Credit hour A unit of measure representing the equivalent of an hour (50 minutes) of instruction per week over

the entire term. It is applied toward the total number of credit hours needed for completing the

requirements of a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Degree An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official

recognition for the successful completion of a program of studies.

Differs by program

(calendar system)

A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational

programs of varying lengths. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the

program desired. For example, a school might offer a 2-month program in January, March, May,

September, and November; and a 3-month program in January, April, and October.

Doctor's degree - other A doctor's degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor's degree - research/scholarship or a

doctor's degree - professional practice.

Doctor's degree -

professional practice

A doctor's degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge and skills

for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded

after a period of study such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and

professional preparation, equals at least six full-time equivalent academic years. Some of these

degrees were formerly classified as first-professional and may include: Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.);

Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic

Medicine (D.O); Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding institution.

Doctor's degree -

research/scholarship

A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master's level, including

the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and

execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some

examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A., D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others,

as designated by the awarding institution.

Educational offerings Educational programs offered by postsecondary institutions that are occupational, academic, or

continuing professional that qualify as postsecondary education programs OR recreational or

avocational, adult basic, remedial instruction, high school equivalency, or high school programs that

are not deemed postsecondary.

Fall cohort The group of students entering in the fall term established for tracking purposes. For the Graduation

Rates component, this includes all students who enter an institution as full-time, first-time degree or

certificate-seeking undergraduate students during the fall term of a given year.
First-time student

(undergraduate)

A student who has no prior postsecondary experience (except as noted below) attending any

institution for the first time at the undergraduate level. This includes students enrolled in academic or

occupational programs. It also includes students enrolled in the fall term who attended college for the

first time in the prior summer term, and students who entered with advanced standing (college

credits earned before graduation from high school).

Full-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for 12 or more semester credits , or 12 or more quarter credits,

or 24 or more contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for 9 or more semester

credits, or 9 or more quarter credits, or a student involved in thesis or dissertation preparation that is

considered full time by the institution. Doctor's degree - Professional practice - as defined by the

institution.

Full-year cohort The group of students entering at any time during the 12-month period September 1 through August

31 that is established for tracking and reporting Graduation Rate (GR) data for institutions that

primarily offer occupational programs of varying lengths. Students must be full-time and first-time to

be considered in the cohort.

Graduate student A student who holds a bachelor's degree or above and is taking courses at the postbaccalaureate

level. These students may or may not be enrolled in graduate programs.

Institutional affiliation A classification that indicates whether a private not-for-profit institution is associated with a religious

group or denomination. Private not-for-profit institutions may be either independent or religiously

affiliated.

Less than 2-year

institution

A postsecondary institution that offers programs of less than 2-years duration below the

baccalaureate level. Includes occupational and vocational schools with programs that do not exceed

1800 contact hours .

Levels of offering Information collected in the Institutional Characteristics component which indicates all applicable

levels for all credit programs offered at an institution. Award levels are identified on the basis of

recognition for their completion, duration, or a combination thereof. Degree-designated award levels

indicate those degree levels for which the institution is authorized to make formal awards. Length of

study is the equivalent of the number of full-time academic years. For example, at least 1 but less

than 2 years refers to the number of credits or the course load that would normally be completed by

a full-time student attending within the stated time period.

Master's degree An award that requires the successful completion of a program of study of at least the full-time

equivalent of 1 but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree.

Some of these degrees, such as those in Theology (M.Div., M.H.L./Rav) that were formerly classified

as "first-professional", may require more than two full-time equivalent academic years of work.

Occupational program A program of study consisting of one or more courses, designed to provide the student with sufficient

knowledge and skills to perform in a specific occupation.

Other academic calendar

system

Category used to describe "non-traditional" calendar systems at 4-year and 2-year degree-granting

institutions. These can include schools that offer primarily on-line courses or "one course at a time."

Part-time student Undergraduate: A student enrolled for either less than 12 semester or quarter credits, or less than 24

contact hours a week each term. Graduate: A student enrolled for less than 9 semester or quarter

credits.

Post-master's certificate An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 24 semester credit

hours beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the

doctor's level.

Postbaccalaureate

certificate

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study equivalent to 18 semester credit

hours beyond the bachelor's. It is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree,

but does not meet the requirements of a master’s degree.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 1 but less than 2

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 1 but less than 2 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or in at

least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact or clock

hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma (at

least 2 but less than 4

academic years)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in at least 2 but less than 4 full-time equivalent academic years ,

or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester or trimester credit hours, or in

at least 90 but less than 180 quarter credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact or

clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Postsecondary award,

certificate, or diploma

(less than 1 academic

year)

An award that requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level

(below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters), or

designed for completion in less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or in less than 45 quarter

credit hours, or in less than 900 contact or clock hours, by a student enrolled full time.

Private for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives compensation other than

wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk.

Private institution An educational institution controlled by a private individual(s) or by a nongovernmental agency,

usually supported primarily by other than public funds, and operated by other than publicly elected

or appointed officials. These institutions may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.

Private not-for-profit

institution

A private institution in which the individual(s) or agency in control receives no compensation, other

than wages, rent, or other expenses for the assumption of risk. These include both independent notfor-profit schools and those affiliated with a religious organization.

Program A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational

objectives as described by the institution.
Programs of at least 2

years but less than 4

years

Programs requiring at least 2 years but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college level work,

including associate's degrees and programs that can be completed in at least 1,800 but less than

3,600 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal award.

Programs of at least 4

years

Programs designed to be completed in at least 8 semesters or 12 quarters to obtain a degree,

diploma, or other formal award. Includes programs resulting in all bachelor's degrees and other

baccalaureate level or equivalent degrees, as well as 5-year cooperative programs, and those

programs in which the normal 4 years of work are designed to be completed in 3 years.

Programs of less than 2

years

Programs requiring less than 2 years of full-time equivalent college level work (4 semesters or 6

quarters) or less than 1,800 contact hours to obtain a degree, diploma, certificate, or other formal

award.

Public institution An educational institution whose programs and activities are operated by publicly elected or

appointed school officials and which is supported primarily by public funds.

Quarter (calendar

system)

A calendar system in which the academic year consists of 3 sessions called quarters of about 12

weeks each. The range may be from 10 to 15 weeks as defined by the institution. There may be an

additional quarter in the summer.

Semester (calendar

system)

A calendar system that consists of two sessions called semesters during the academic year with

about 15 weeks for each semester of instruction. There may be an additional summer session.

Trimester (calendar

system)

An academic year consisting of 3 terms of about 15 weeks each.

Undergraduate A student enrolled in a 4- or 5-year bachelor's degree program, an associate's degree program, or a

vocational or technical program below the baccalaureate.
2012-13 Survey Materials > F.A.Q. date: 8/8/2012

IC Header

Click one of the following questions to view the answer.

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I report?

2) Can I change my Institutional Characteristics Header data during the winter or spring surveys if I made a mistake in the fall?

Answers:

General

1) If my institution offers an award level but currently does not have any students enrolled at that level how should I

report?

You should indicate all levels of awards that your institution is authorized to grant.

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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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2012-13 Survey Materials > Narrative Edits date: 8/8/2012

IC Header less than 2-yr institutions

Edit specifications for the 2012-13 IPEDS Web-Based Data Collection

Institutional Characteristics Header Component

Applicable to less-than-2-year institutions

Note: The specifications in this document apply to the institutions listed above and related administrative offices.

Some sections and parts may not apply to your particular institution. Please read the specifications carefully to

determine which sections and/or parts apply to your institution.

All screens must be completed in order to lock the survey.

Part A: Educational Offerings

Part B: Organization

Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Part D: Campus Award Levels

Part A: Educational Offerings and System Office

Educational Offerings

On this screen, you are required to indicate the types of instruction/programs offered by your institution. Select all applicable

types from the following options:

• Occupational, may lead to a certificate, degree, or other formal award

• Academic, leading to a certificate, degree, or diploma

• Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Note: Responses to this question determine whether or not an institution is part of the IPEDS universe. An institution is part of

the IPEDS universe if it offers any of the following types of instruction:

• Occupational

• Academic

If the institution is part of the IPEDS universe, and is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, then

completion of this survey is mandatory.

An institution is NOT part of the IPEDS universe if it only offers the following types of instruction:

• Recreational or avocational

• Adult basic or remedial instruction or high school equivalency

• Secondary (high school)

Institutions that only offer these types of instruction are not expected to complete this or any other IPEDS survey. If your

institution falls into this category and further assistance is required, please contact the Help Desk.

System Office

You must also indicate whether your institution is part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution. You may choose from the following options: 

• No, this institution IS NOT a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or

controls the institution.

• Yes, this institution IS a part of a multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs, or controls

the institution. If yes, specify the name of the multi-institution or multi-campus organization that owns, governs,

or controls the institution. Please make sure to spell the name out in the same way as other institutions in your

organization. 

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

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Part B: Organization

Control/affiliation

On this screen you must first indicate the appropriate control or affiliation under which your institution operates.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

• Public

• Private for-profit

• Private not-for-profit: independent (no religious affiliation)

• Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)

Public institutions must identify the Primary control under which the institution operates from the drop-down menu provided

(e.g., State, County, Federal, etc.).

An optional Secondary control may also be specified, but this control cannot be the same as the Primary control.

Private not-for-profit institutions with a religious affiliation must identify the appropriate affiliation from the drop-down menu

provided (e.g., Baptist, Jewish, Wesleyan, etc.).
Award Levels

You must also report information on the award levels offered by your institution.

Available responses include multiple options below the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable award levels for all credit

programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Calendar System

On this screen you must report the predominant calendar system at the institution. Your response to this question will

determine how your institution is expected to report Graduation Rates data during the spring collection.

Note: For existing IPEDS users, this information is preloaded by the system.

You may choose from the following options:

Program Reporting Method

If your institution measures courses primarily by contact hours, or offers primarily occupational programs measured in credit

hours, select one of the following Other calendar systems:

• Differs by programs

• Continuous basis (every 2 weeks, monthly, or other period)

Note: Selecting either of the above determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based

on a FULL YEAR COHORT and student charges data by PROGRAM.

Academic Year Reporting Method

If your institution offers primarily academic programs measured in credit hours, select one of the following Standard

academic terms below:

• Semester

• Quarter

• Trimester

• 4-1-4 or similar plan

Note: Selecting Semester, Quarter, Trimester, or 4-1-4 determines that your institution will be required to provide

Graduation Rates data based on a FALL COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR. Selecting Other

academic calendar determines that your institution will be required to provide Graduation Rates data based on a FULL

YEAR COHORT and student charges data for a FULL ACADEMIC YEAR.

If your institution’s preloaded answer differs from the prior year or requires a change, contact the Help Desk for further

assistance.

Student Enrollment

This screen asks about the types of students enrolled at your institution. All levels of enrollment offered by your institution

must be reported, even if there are no students currently enrolled at that level.

For each type of student, select Yes or No to indicate whether your institution offers the specified level of enrollment on a Full

-Time and/or Part-time basis. The student types are as follows:

• Students in academic or occupational programs

• First-time students

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

• Either Yes or No must be selected for each student type.

• You cannot answer No to all levels of student enrollment.

• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Full-time basis, then you must also report

that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Full-time basis.
• If you indicate that your institution enrolls First-time students on a Part-time basis, then you must also report

that your institution enrolls Students in academic or occupational programs on a Part-time basis.

• If you reported that your institution enrolled students at any level in the prior year that it does not offer in the

current year (or vice versa), you must explain the reason for this change.

• If you responded Yes to the Full-time, First-time question below, then you must report that you enroll Firsttime students on a Full-time basis.

Note: Your responses here will determine which screens will be generated for reporting academic year tuition charges, and

for reporting Fall Enrollment during the spring collection. Additionally, checking Yes for Full-time, First-time students

determines that your institution must report Student Financial Aid data (during the spring collection) for this cohort.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:

• For academic year 2009-10, did your institution enroll any full-time, first-time students?

If no, you must indicate the reason by selecting one or more of the following options:

• This institution did not enroll full-time, first-time (undergraduate) students.

• This institution was not in operation in 2009-2010.

Note: If you reported any full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates on the 2009-10 Fall Enrollment

survey, this information will be preloaded by the system.

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

• If you responded Yes to this question:

◦ you will be required to provide Graduation Rates data for the 2009-10 cohort in the spring collection; and

◦ you must indicate that you offer award levels at or below the baccalaureate level on the Control and

Levels screen.

• If the preloaded GRS Cohort from the Enrollment survey is greater than 0, then you are expected to respond Yes

to this question; and vice versa.

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Part C: Levels of Enrollment Offered

Applicable to new institutions ONLY

If you are reporting data for a new institution that has never participated in IPEDS before, you must respond to the following

question:

• Was your institution in operation during the academic year 2010-11?

If you responded Yes to this question, you must specify the levels of enrollment offered at the institution during the 2010-11

academic year. Select all applicable levels from the following options:

• Undergraduate

• Graduate (not including doctor's professional)

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Part D: Campus Award Levels

Applicable to institutions that must report data for campuses

For each campus listed in the Campus List, click Award Levels to report information on the award levels offered by that

campus. Available responses include multiple options at, below, and above the baccalaureate level. Check all applicable

award levels for all credit programs offered at the institution.

You may choose from the following options:

Below the Baccalaureate:

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of less than one academic year

◦ less than 900 contact or clock hours, or

◦ less than 30 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ less than 45 quarter credit hours

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least one but less than two academic years

◦ at least 900 but less than 1800 contact or clock hours, or

◦ at least 30 but less than 60 semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ at least 45 but less than 90 quarter credit hours

• Associate's degree

• Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma of at least two but less than four academic years

◦ 1800 or more contact or clock hours, or

◦ 60 or more semester or trimester credit hours, or

◦ 90 or more quarter credit hours

Baccalaureate and Above:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

• Postbaccalaureate certificate

• Master's degree

• Post-master's certificate
• Doctor's degree - research/scholarship

• Doctor's degree - professional practice

• Doctor's degree - Other

• Other

If Other is selected, you must specify or describe the award level in the Context box provided.

If you have indicated that your institution offers an award level that was not reported in previous years, you will be asked to

confirm this new award level.

Full-time, first-time question

In addition, you must respond with Yes or No to the following question:

• Does your institution enroll Full-time, first-time degree/certificate students? 

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