IPEDS Technical Review Panel Releases Data Quality Recommendations; Public Comments Open Through August 14

A summary of the latest IPEDS Technical Review Panel (TRP 72), IPEDS Data Quality: Practices, Strategies, and Structures to Support High-Quality Submissions, is now available for public review. The comment period remains open through August 14, 2026.

The panel examined the factors that influence IPEDS data quality—from institutional processes and staffing to guidance, training, and system design—and explored strategies to help institutions produce more accurate, consistent, and reliable data. The discussion focused not only on identifying common challenges, but also on the resources and supports institutions need to strengthen reporting practices over time.

AIR conducted the background research that informed the panel's discussions, drawing on feedback from nearly 400 Institutional Research and higher education data professionals about their experiences with IPEDS reporting and data quality. AIR's research paper is available alongside the TRP summary on the IPEDS Technical Review Panel website.

AIR encourages members to participate in the public comment process. Comments to the Technical Review Panel may be submitted directly to RTI through August 14 by emailing ipedsTRPcomment@rti.org. In addition, AIR will submit its own comments and invites members to share their perspectives, concerns, and examples from their IPEDS reporting experience to help inform the association's response.