A Message from AIR Executive Director & CEO Christine Keller

I write to share that the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) has received official confirmation that our subcontract for the IPEDS training program will not be renewed for the 2025–26 data collection cycle.

This news is deeply disappointing. For more than two decades, AIR has been honored to partner with the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and RTI International to enhance the quality and use of IPEDS data through our nationally recognized training program. We are proud of the meaningful impact this work has had on institutions, data professionals, and the broader higher education community.

At this time, we understand that other components of the IPEDS contract—including data collection, the website, and the Help Desk—will remain in place. While IPEDS data will continue to be collected, the federally-funded training delivered through AIR is ending.

Although this chapter is closing, AIR’s commitment to supporting data-informed decision-making in higher education remains steadfast. We are actively exploring options to continue select IPEDS-related training under the AIR brand. While future offerings will no longer be available at no cost, we are committed to developing a model that ensures continued access to high-quality professional learning. AIR will continue to be a place where individuals build skills, institutions grow data capacity, and our community comes together to navigate change with resilience and purpose.

We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed to the success of the IPEDS program over the years. Its achievements reflect the dedication and expertise of many—AIR staff, IPEDS Educators, institutional colleagues, and partners across RTI and NCES. We thank you for your indispensable partnership and support.