WSCUC currently collects completion data using Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and Graduation Rate Dashboard (GRD) data on individual institutions. Because each of these data sets has its limitations, WSCUC has engaged the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center in a pilot project using National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) data, to provide a more complete view of institutions, their students, and academic success.

As a service to our members, WSCUC has commissioned three cohort completion reports from NSC that provide aggregate comparison data on completion both for our region, and nationally, using a variety of filter criteria. These data allow participating institutions to see performance norms in a traditional four or six year cohort graduation rate model that fully accounts for the transfer activity of students.

Though regional vs. national comparisons are useful, the data becomes most powerful when institutions can identify their own four and six year graduation rates adjusted for successful transfer out activity.

We will be requesting permission from every institution’s Chief Executive Officer to allow the NSC to individually identify institutions in these reports and release them to WSCUC and to your institution.

When combined, these data sets allow us to triangulate IPEDS, GRD, and NSC data in the most meaningful way possible for each institution. Not only will this help us evaluate a more complete picture of student success at our member institutions, it will give institutions a more inclusive data set to help demonstrate their success to all stakeholders.

Look for more information and future instructions on how to share your permission with us and NSC.

Staff Contact: Henry Hernandez