Methodology
EDsmart Data publishes numbers from authoritative federal and public datasets. This page explains how we source data, what we normalize, and how to interpret our charts, tables, and rankings. Each data page also carries metric-specific notes.
Primary data sources
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — institution-level outcomes, costs, and earnings where available.
- IPEDS (NCES) — enrollment, completions, institutional characteristics, and finance where cited.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — occupational employment and wages; projections where noted.
- O*NET — occupation attributes, skills, and related mappings where cited.
- Other federal or state sources — only when explicitly named on a given page.
Processing and definitions
Each data page lists the metrics used, filters (for example public-only institutions or a specific award level), and the reporting year or snapshot date. Medians, means, and percentages are computed after those filters are applied unless stated otherwise.
When we show state or national aggregates, we describe whether the value is a median across institutions, a sum, or a population-weighted figure. Sector splits (for example two-year vs four-year public) follow Scorecard/IPEDS field definitions referenced on the page.
Limitations
Federal surveys have nonresponse, imputation, and suppression rules (especially for small groups). We do not invent values for suppressed cells. Earnings cohorts (years after completion) and coverage vary by metric — see each page’s notes.
Updates and revisions
When source agencies release new files, we may refresh extracts and republish charts. Material changes to methodology are reflected on the relevant page and summarized here when they affect how readers should interpret figures site-wide.
Contact
Data questions: data@edsmartdata.com