AIR Releases 2025–26 Annual Report
As the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) marks its 60th anniversary, its 2025–26 Annual Report is now available. The report looks back on a year when AIR’s community grew larger and more connected than at any point in its history, and when members helped shape the field of institutional research and data-informed decision making in higher education.
For six decades, AIR has been more than a professional association. It is a community built by people who believe better data leads to better decisions, stronger institutions, and greater opportunities for students. This year’s report shows what that community accomplished together.
Highlights from the year include:
- A growing community. AIR now includes more than 8,200 professionals representing 462 member organizations.
- AIR Forum in Washington, D.C. Nearly 1,290 attendees gathered for more than 250 sessions, and more than 90% said they would recommend AIR Forum to a colleague.
- New ways to learn. The AIR Data & Decisions Academy launched new offerings in enrollment forecasting, IR office management, and analytics-supported change.
- Practitioner expertise in policy conversations. AIR established the Data Policy Advisory Panel and joined the Washington Higher Education Secretariat, bringing practitioner experience to discussions about federal data collections and reporting.
- Hands-on support for institutions. AIR Data & Decisions® Consulting completed 20 engagements with 16 institutions and organizations, ranging from Tribal colleges and universities to state systems.
- Members leading the way. Members served in more than 350 volunteer roles across AIR Forum, publications, professional learning, and more.
The report also covers AIR’s strategic partnerships, the work of the Board of Directors, and the association’s financial health.
Whether they have been members for decades or joined this year, AIR’s members are helping write the next chapter of a community that is 60 years strong.