A recent article outlines 19 essential databases that journalists reporting on U.S. higher education should be familiar with. These resources offer access to extensive data on a range of educational issues, including student demographics, graduation rates, campus safety, faculty earnings, and student health.
The databases listed are primarily managed by government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Science Foundation. The article underscores the significance of employing high-quality data to enhance the credibility and depth of education-related news reports.
Essential Databases for Higher Education Reporting
1. College Navigator
This database provides basic information on nearly 7,000 U.S. colleges and universities, allowing users to research admission rates, tuition costs, undergraduate enrollment, and other institutional characteristics.
2. DataLab
This online platform contains extensive data on K-12 and higher education topics, including college costs and student demographics.
3. Data.gov
The federal government’s open data site includes thousands of datasets and reports across various categories, including education.
4. Campus Security Data Analysis Tool
This resource enables users to access statistics on crimes occurring at U.S. colleges and universities that receive federal funding.
5. Official Cohort Default Rate Search
Maintained by Federal Student Aid, this database allows users to search for student loan default rates based on various criteria.
6. U.S. Office for Civil Rights Pending Cases Database
This national database tracks schools and universities currently under investigation for discrimination complaints.
7. Healthy Minds Study
This database compiles annual survey data on college students’ mental health and experiences on campus.
8. CIRCLE
Developed by Tufts University, this center provides tools focused on civic engagement and voting among young adults.
9. Retraction Watch
This resource documents retracted scientific papers, which can be valuable for journalists investigating issues of research integrity.
10. Nonprofit Explorer
This database enables users to look up tax filings for nearly 2 million tax-exempt organizations, including higher education institutions.
11. Community College Research Center
This center offers platforms for examining data specifically related to U.S. community colleges.
12. Minority-Serving Institutions Data Project
This project focuses on data concerning educational institutions serving racial minorities.
13. Association of American Medical Colleges
Provides datasets and reports related to medical school funding and associated topics.
14. American Bar Association
Supplies data on U.S. law schools and related trends.
15. College Board
This organization offers a variety of data on college entrance exams and Advanced Placement programs.
16. GI Bill Comparison Tool
Allows comparisons of GI Bill benefits among various educational institutions.
17. Higher Education Research and Development Survey
A national survey collecting data on research spending across colleges and universities.
18. EdWorkingPapers
A searchable database of academic working papers addressing education issues.
19. Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
A comprehensive repository of education-related research available from academic journals, books, and government reports.
The article suggests that journalists consider bookmarking and sharing these databases for convenient reference, which may lead to more informed and well-supported reporting on higher education topics.
(Cited from Journalists Resource)
