Locally, regionally, nationally, and increasingly internationally (e.g., population, racial/ethnic mix, immigration status, education levels, etc.)
The Office of Institutional Research & Planning (IRP) posted a new infographic, Georgia Tech 2023 Quick Facts. This infographic provides a high-level view of admissions, enrollment, and degrees awarded. For detailed breakouts of these numbers see the 2023 Georgia Tech Fact Book.
IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) is a comprehensive survey system conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). It collects data from colleges, universities, and technical institutions participating in federal student financial aid programs. Researchers, policymakers, and education stakeholders rely on IPEDS data to understand the landscape of higher education and identify patterns and changes over time.
The Washington Post recently reported that enrollment at colleges nationwide "has shrunk more than five percent since 2019." However, the impact has been greater on regional colleges and universities that serve disadvantaged students. For example, institutions in the western region of Pennsylvania have been affected by stagnant population growth, the pandemic, and increasing wages that make working a more appealing option than studying.
On February 24, 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau released a table package, Educational Attainment in the United States: 2021, containing statistics on educational attainment by adults 25 years of age and older for the period 2011 to 2021. These statistics cover a range of demographic and social characteristics, including age, sex, and race.
Numerous studies have correlated educational attainment with wealth attainment. Earning at least a bachelor's degree is associated with better economic outcomes, including higher wages and lower rates of unemployment. However, a study by Pew Research Center revealed an economic disparity between first generation college graduates versus those who had at least one college-educated parent.
International Students in Science and Engineering is a policy brief published by the National Foundation for American Policy. International students constitute a significant portion of graduate student populations at U.S. institutions. This benefits American students by allowing domestic universities to offer high-quality academic programs in science and engineering. Foreign nationals who remain in the U.S. after graduation are a source of talent for U.S. employers and contribute to scientific research and technological innovation.