The AIR National Survey of IR Offices is a comprehensive, longitudinal study of the institutional research and effectiveness (IR/IE) data function within U.S. higher education institutions. The AIR National Survey contributes to a better understanding of current practices, structures, and roles; identifies emerging trends; benchmarks operational standards; and informs resource allocation to support the effective, ethical, and impactful use of data within higher education institutions.
The 2024 survey is now closed. Learn more here.
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Overview
Since its first administration in 2015, the AIR National Survey has collected important information about the IR data function including its structures, leadership, staffing, resources, roles, and activities. The knowledge and insights gained through the study have been used to support to the continuous improvement of the IR data function at institutions, the professional development of individual practitioners, and advocacy for the value and importance of the data use within higher education.
The study’s data and key findings are widely shared with the higher education community at no charge through reports, summaries, and briefs. View past findings here.
Study Results
2021 AIR National Survey
The 2021 AIR National Survey collected information about organizational structures, leadership, staffing, and core work functions from 1,142 primarily non-profit colleges and universities across geographic regions, sectors, and institution sizes. The 2021 study also collected information on data capacity and data literacy, IR contributions to student success, and emerging trends in remote work. Demographic information on office leaders and staff—including gender and race/ethnicity—were collected for the first time during this administration.
2018 AIR National Survey
The 2018 AIR National Survey gathered information on organizational structures, leadership, staffing, and core work functions from 1,167 primarily non-profit colleges and universities across geographic regions, sectors, and institution sizes. The 2018 study also collected information on resources and clients of the IR Office.
2015 AIR National Survey
The first AIR National Survey was conducted in 2015 with funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 2,053 responses were collected from mainly non-profit colleges and universities across geographic regions, sectors, and institutional sizes. Topic areas included organizational structures, staffing, and scope of responsibilities.
Bite by Bite
eAIR features snapshots of data from past results of the AIR National Survey. Data Bites:
What Percentage of IR Offices Have Sufficient Resources?
Successful IR/IE offices require sufficient hardware, software, space, and staff to operate efficiently. So, what percentage of offices have these resources? We asked office leaders to assess the adequacy of office resou...
Read Moreabout: What Percentage of IR Offices Have Sufficient Resources?
Average IR Office Staff FTE by Total Institutional Enrollment
Institutional data capacity is largely dependent on the IR Office. And the amount of information that an IR Office can produce is strongly tied to the size of that office. So, what drives the size of the IR Office? In sh...
Read Moreabout: Average IR Office Staff FTE by Total Institutional Enrollment
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like more information about the study, email nationalsurvey@airweb.org.