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Where the numbers come from

Grounded in official data

Every figure on ScholarSynch traces back to an authoritative source — government databases and institution-reported records, not guesses. Here's exactly what each one provides.

Data refreshes regularly as these official sources publish new releases.

College Scorecard

U.S. Department of Education

The federal system of record for outcomes and cost. It powers most of what you see on a college profile.

  • Admissions funnel — applicants, admits, enrolled, test-score ranges
  • Cost — sticker price, average net price, and net price by income band
  • Outcomes — completion, retention, and 10-year median earnings
  • Cohort default rate on federal student loans

IPEDS

National Center for Education Statistics

The official census of U.S. colleges — every accredited institution reports to it each year.

  • Enrollment size and full-time / part-time mix
  • Student demographics and diversity
  • Institution type, control, and setting
  • Faculty, programs offered, and degrees awarded

Bureau of Economic Analysis

U.S. Department of Commerce

Regional price data that turns a raw price tag into what a place actually costs to live in.

  • Regional price parities by metro area
  • Cost-of-living context for campus locations
  • A fairer read on affordability across regions

CollegeBoard BigFuture

The College Board

Application timing so you can plan backward from the dates that matter.

  • Regular, early action, and early decision deadlines
  • Application windows across schools

NCAA

National Collegiate Athletic Association

Athletics data for recruits weighing a program alongside academics and cost.

  • Division, conference, and sponsored sports
  • Athletics program and budget context

Bureau of Labor Statistics

U.S. Department of Labor

The career side of the decision — where a field of study can lead.

  • Wage outlook by occupation
  • Employment trends for majors and career paths

Common Data Set

Reported by each institution

A standardized dataset colleges publish themselves — the fine grain behind admissions.

  • Waitlist and early-round admission detail
  • Factors colleges weigh in admissions
  • Enrollment and selectivity specifics

Always confirm before you commit

Official data is our foundation, but figures like tuition, deadlines, and requirements can change between releases. Before making a decision, verify the details directly with each institution's admissions and financial aid offices.

Ready to put this data to work for your search?