Whether you’re conducting research to propose a new program, exploring trends as part of your program review, or simply enhancing your understanding, databases and analytical platforms are helpful tools to help us do our jobs better. Take a look at some of the important resources that are available below.

Hanover Research

Hanover Research provides custom market research and analysis to support strategic decisions in higher education. It offers data on program demand, competitive benchmarking, market trends, and prospective student interest, tailored specifically to the needs of your institution.

EDUCAUSE Horizon and chloe project reports

The EDUCAUSE Horizon Reports profile key trends and emerging technologies and practices shaping the future of higher education, and envision a number of scenarios and implications for that future. It is based on the perspectives and expertise of a global panel of leaders from across the higher education landscape. In addition to the producing the Horizon reports, in 2023 EDUCAUSE joined Eduventures Research and Quality Matters (QM) to work on the CHLOE Project, a set of research reports that look at the structure and organization of postsecondary online education in the U.S., as it becomes increasingly mainstream.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

The  Bureau of Labor Statistics provides comprehensive data on employment, wages, and industry projections in the U.S. This information helps identify high-demand fields and align academic programs with labor market needs.

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

The National Center for Education Statistics collects and analyzes data related to education in the U.S., offering valuable insights on enrollment, graduation rates, and student demographics, which are crucial for program assessment and development.

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

WASC Senior College and University Commission provides standards and guidelines for academic programs, ensuring quality and alignment with regional and national expectations. The WSCUC Key Indicators Dashboard (KID) ) is a “data visualization tool that provides metrics and context on the educational environments and outcomes of WSCUC-accredited institutions. “

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

IPEDS is a comprehensive source of data on postsecondary institutions, providing detailed information on enrollment, program completions, graduation rates, and institutional characteristics.

National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

National Association of Colleges and Employers provides data on employment outcomes for college graduates, including salary surveys and job outlook reports, helping institutions align programs with employment trends and graduate success.

U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. Census Bureau offers demographic data that helps understand population trends, socioeconomic factors, and educational attainment, essential for identifying potential student populations and regional needs.

American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)

The American Association of Colleges and Universities is a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of education benefits to help veterans, service members, and their families achieve their academic and career goals. Through programs like the GI Bill, the VA covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, making it easier for veterans to attend college, vocational schools, or training programs.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

ABET, also known as The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., is a non-governmental accreditation organization for post-secondary programs in engineering, engineering technology, computing, and applied and natural sciences.

Educational Advisory Board (EAB)

The Educational Advisory Board (EAB) is a consulting firm specializing in education institutions. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, with satellite offices in Richmond, Virginia, Birmingham, Alabama, and Minneapolis. EAB serves roughly 2500 schools, colleges, and universities. 

The Assemblies of God (AOG)

The Assemblies of God was founded in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas with 300 people at the founding convention. Today there are nearly 13,000 churches in the U.S. with over 3 million members and adherents. There are more than 86 million Assemblies of God members worldwide, making the Assemblies of God the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination.

Additional Resources

Beyond the resources listed above, there are many other organizations that you can explore that include:

• Specialized accrediting agencies
• Non-profit agencies
• Denominational offices and agencies 
• Professional Organizations
• State and City Employment Agencies
• Local and Regional Chambers of Commerce