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Peer Institutions

Although AU does not maintain a single list of peer institutions, the lists provided below are utilized by OIRA and other AU offices for a variety of institutional benchmarking comparisons. These lists may vary, or other lists may be used depending on the purpose of the comparative data analysis needed.

 

This peer group is comprised of undergraduate market basket institutions from AU's 2023-2024 budget report.

 

Boston College

Johns Hopkins University

Boston University

Lafayette College

Brandeis University

Lehigh University

Bucknell University

New York University

Carnegie Mellon University

Northeastern University

Case Western Reserve University

Syracuse University

Colgate University

Tufts University

College of the Holy Cross

Tulane University

Emory University

University of Miami

Fordham University

University of Rochester

George Washington University

Vanderbilt University

Georgetown University

Washington University in St. Louis

This peer group is comprised of institutions with similar Carnegie Classification characteristics as AU. All are classified as private not-for-profit doctoral universities with high research activity (R2).

 

Azusa Pacific University

Mercer University

Brigham Young University

Nova Southeastern University

Chapman University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Claremont Graduate University

Saint Louis University

Clark Atlanta University

Seton Hall University

Clark University

Southern Methodist University

Clarkson University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Creighton University

Teachers College at Columbia University

DePaul University

Texas Christian University

Duquesne University

The Catholic University of America

Florida Institute of Technology

The New School

Fordham University

Thomas Jefferson University

Howard University

University of Dayton

Illinois Institute of Technology

University of New England

Lehigh University

University of San Diego

Loma Linda University

University of Tulsa

Long Island University

Villanova University

Loyola Marymount University

Wake Forest University

Loyola University Chicago

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Marquette University

 

 

IPEDS and Other Comparative Data Resources

IPEDS

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is a data collection process created by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Institutions receiving federal student financial aid are required to submit a series of data reports via IPEDS each year. An annual IPEDS Data Feedback Report (DFR) is generated for each institution and is intended to provide institutions with a context for examining and comparing data they submitted to IPEDS with data from a comparison group of institutions. See below for more information including step-by-step guidance on creating customized DFRs.

IPEDS Data Feedback Report (DFR)

Purpose of the Data Feedback Report

The Data Feedback Report (DFR) is intended to provide institutions a context for examining the data they submit to IPEDS. The purpose of this report is to provide institutional executives a useful resource and to help improve the quality and comparability of IPEDS data.

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Data Feedback Report

How to Create a Report Using IPEDS Data Feedback Tool

Step 1: Understand the Data

Before starting, familiarize yourself with the data types included in the DFR. The report typically covers:

  • Enrollment statistics
  • Retention and graduation rates for first-year undergraduates
  • Degrees awarded
  • Undergraduate tuition and fees
  • Financial aid and net price for undergraduates
  • Institutional expenses and per-student costs

Step 2: Access the IPEDS Data Tools

  1. Visit the IPEDS website at nces.ed.gov/ipeds.
  2. Select the “Use the Data” option to navigate to available tools, including the Data Feedback Report.

Step 3: Select Your Institution

  1. Use the search feature to locate your institution by name.
  2. Verify the institution’s details from the list that appears.

Step 4: Choose a Comparison Group

  • Automatic Peer Group: Use IPEDS-determined peers for standard comparisons.
  • Custom Group: Select “Create a Custom…” and follow prompts to define your own comparison group based on criteria relevant to your institution.

Step 5: Generate the Report

  1. Select “View Data Feedback Report” for the basic report with IPEDS-determined peers.
  2. If customizing, follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your peer group, then generate the custom report.

Step 6: Review and Analyze

  • Download the report.
  • Focus on the tables and graphs, which summarize key indicators such as financial trends, enrollment comparisons, and institutional expenses.

Step 7: Utilize the Data

  • Use insights from the report for internal benchmarking, policy development, and quality improvement.
  • Share findings with stakeholders to drive data-informed decisions.

Tips for Effective Reporting

  • Data reflects 1-2 years prior to the report's release; verify dates for accurate interpretation.
  • Explore additional IPEDS tools for further customization or data sets.
  • Use the College Navigator for external comparisons or public-facing presentations.

 

College Navigator

College Navigator is a database-fueled website containing specific information from approximately 7,000 universities nationwide, primarily sourced from IPEDS. This tool is designed to help prospective college students and their parents distinguish the differences between universities and assess the costs in attending these universities.

College Scorecard

The College Scorecard is another federally controlled source of comparative data. It focuses on data such as institution type, size, location, undergraduate graduation rates, cost of attendance, and graduates’ post college earnings. We recommend reviewing the "About The Data" section when viewing this information to understand the timing and collection methods of the data, and to consult the data glossary. Full data files can also be downloaded from this site for research purposes.

College Board BigFuture

College Board BigFuture's College Profiles offer an overview of colleges and universities, providing prospective students with information such as admission requirements, academic programs, demographics, and campus life. It facilitates comparisons between institutions and offers the ability to save institution profiles of interest.