Institutional Data

Common Data Set

The Common Data Set (CDS) is a standardized template developed within the higher education community. Institutions may use the template to summarize frequently requested information from partners in higher education such as The College Board, U.S. News & World Report, and Peterson's. The CDS includes information about student enrollment and persistence, admissions, academic offerings, student life, annual expenses, financial aid, faculty and class sizes, and degree conferrals.

Data Governance

We define data governance as an organized set of committees, processes, policies, roles, and responsibilities to ensure the quality and security of institutional data and its appropriate use in support of informed decision-making. At SDSU, we have two committees, Data Trustees and Data Stewards, who meet regularly throughout the year to enact data governance.

  • Data Trustees meet quarterly or more often as needed and include all SDSU vice presidents, facilitated by the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Assessment. The trustees are accountable for what happens with institutional data and approve policies, procedures and ensure data governance is consistent with the university strategic plan.
  • Data Stewards meet monthly and include leaders and subject matter experts from all university offices. The stewards compile a data dictionary with metadata and technical details, maintain a glossary of terms, document data procedures and processes, support data literacy efforts, and work with Data Custodians.
  • Data Custodians work primarily in the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and are responsible for managing institutional data on a daily basis, including the transport of data and the application of security standards.
  • InsideState: Data Governance
  • InsideState: Glossary
Factbooks

Factbooks summarize a variety of institutional data, showcasing student success, academic and co-curricular programs, human resources, research and creative activities, and other aspects of university operations.

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

The U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics gather information from institutions via the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). IPEDS data are used by the government to guide higher education policies and are also used to populate the College Navigator, a guide for prospective students. The IPEDS database is available to the public.

  • IPEDS Public Use Data Center
  • College Navigator
  • Most recent report year:
    • Feedback Report
    • Institutional Characteristics
    • Completions
    • 12-Month Enrollment
    • Financial Aid
    • Graduation Rates
    • Graduation Rates 200%
    • Admissions
    • Outcome Measures
    • Fall Enrollment
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • Academic Libraries
  • Please see InsideState or contact OIRA for additional reports.
Peer Institutions

The SDSU leadership council identified a set of 13 peer institutions using criteria developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The peer institutions include:

Rankings and Guides

There are a variety of public rankings and guides that rely on institutional data. 

Surveys

Institutional Research and Assessment leads institutional level assessment efforts, including the administration of several national and/or internal surveys.

  • InsideState: Surveys and Results
  • InsideState: Survey Coordination and Support Committee
  • Surveys include but are not limited to:
    • National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
    • Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE)
    • Campus Climate Survey (Skyfactor)
    • Great Colleges to Work For (Chronicle of Higher Education and ModernThink)
    • IDEA Course Evaluations
    • Career Outcome Surveys
    • First-Year Student Experience Survey
    • Title IX Athletic Interests Survey