I'm posting this again at the request of FS... If you use the tool to create a peer group analysis, please post your findings here...

IPEDS is the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. It's a mandatory federal reporting system for all colleges & universities that receive federal Title IV financial aid money.

IPEDS now has an online "peer analysis system" where you can create reports about institutional stats that interest you.

First, go to the IPEDS Peer Analysis System & select "Guest level."

On the next page, enter "University of Southern Mississippi" in the Institution Name box. This makes USM the "linch pin" institution for your analysis.

Next, click "Comparison Group" in the top menu bar & follow the directions to add the institutions you want in the comparative group. (I've found that you'll need to enter USM again.) You can only add 6 schools at a time, but you can go back into the Comparison Group form to add more...

After you select a comparison group, click "Reports and Stats" in the menu bar. At this point, you may choose a ranking report, a data report (unranked), or a statistical summary report that allows for calculated variables.

The system will allow you to pull numbers for up to 19 years, going back to 1980. The available stats include enrollment, completions, staffing, faculty salaries, revenues & expenditures, and a plethora of other fun stuff.

Unfortunately, IPEDS peer analysis tool doesn't have graduation rate, campus crime, or some of the newer IPEDS reports in its database, but there's still plenty to enjoy here.

Have fun. And remember, this is your tax money at work!