Senior Policy and Planning Analyst Universities of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Session Abstract: As the complexity of higher education continues to grow, there is an increasing need for more dynamic and comparative approaches to institutional research. This study leverages IPEDS data (2012–2023) to develop a comprehensive dashboard that tracks student enrollment trends, retention and graduation rates, and finance and tuition data across the United States. While many institutions are becoming more proficient in data-driven decision-making, most efforts are confined to local or institutional perspectives. However, it is equally critical to take a bird’s-eye view and situate institutions and states within a broader regional and national context. By examining data from this higher vantage point, we can address opportunities and challenges that may not be fully captured or addressed by localized data alone. A key focus is on how IR professionals can design and develop robust data tools that offer multilayered, comprehensive insights to a variety of users.
