The results of an evaluation showed that the error rate is less than one percent. Because the SED is a survey of individuals, an error in recording a data item affects only that item for that individual. The evaluation found that the error rate per item was .002 for the on-line data entry method. The classification system for institutions used in this study was modified from the 1987 Carnegie Classification of Institutions. Using this classification, five types of institutions were identified, as follows.
Doctoral Universities are the major doctoral-granting institutions.
Master's Colleges and Universities offered a full range of baccalaureate programs and are committed to graduate education through the master's degree. They award 20 or more master's degrees annually in one or more disciplines. Baccalaureate Colleges are predominantly bachelor's-degree granting institutions that award 40 or more of their degrees in liberal arts fields. Institutions such as Oberlin College are included, even though they have master's degree programs. Specialized Institutions focused primarily on technical, professional, or corporate programs in a range of areas such as theology, medicine, engineering, business, art, music, law, and teaching.