Colleges: Weigh In on IPEDS Data Forms for 2026-2029
Published Date: 10/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education wants to update how colleges and universities share important data from 2026 to 2029 through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This affects schools that report info about students, staff, and finances. They’re asking for public feedback by December 8, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work for schools.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Large annual reporting burden for institutions
Colleges and other postsecondary institutions will take part in the IPEDS collections for 2026-27 through 2028-29. The Department estimates a total of 61,467 annual responses and 818,023 total annual burden hours for the collection.
Change to ACTS eligibility rules
The Department proposes a change in the eligibility criteria for the Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) component of IPEDS for the 2026-27 through 2028-29 collections. The change will alter which institutions must provide ACTS component data.
Removal of certain ACTS variables
The Department proposes removing some ACTS variables after a disclosure-avoidance review. The notice states variables with potential analytic value will be removed as part of disclosure-avoidance decisions for the 2026-27 through 2028-29 IPEDS collections.
Title IV institutions must respond; others voluntary
The notice restates that all institutions participating in Title IV federal student aid programs are required to respond to IPEDS, while non-Title IV institutions may participate voluntarily for the 2026-27 through 2028-29 collections.
Improvements to ACTS aggregator tool
NCES proposes improvements to the ACTS aggregator tool used in IPEDS for the 2026-27 through 2028-29 collections. The stated intent in the notice is to help make the process clearer and reduce burden for reporting schools.
Clarified instructions and item definitions
NCES proposes clarifications to IPEDS instructions and item definitions for the 2026-27 through 2028-29 collections based on feedback from institutions and practitioners. These clarifications aim to improve clarity in reporting.
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Key Dates
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