When our system performs matching, it takes the information you entered for each student and looks for matching records in our enrollment database before or after the student’s search begin date (this depends on the search option you choose).
For example, if you perform a subsequent enrollment query on John A Smith, born January 1, 1990, with a search begin date of September 15, 2008, our system will return all term records it can locate for John A Smith, born January 1, 1990, with a term end date of September 15, 2008 or later (for degree records, a degree award date of September 15, 2008 or later).
The system will not return records if the student’s information has a directory (FERPA) block, if the student’s information has not been submitted by the reporting institution, or if the system cannot locate any matching records within your search range.
Data Quality
The information in our enrollment database contains records for 98% of all postsecondary students in the United States. Most institutions provide information to us on a monthly basis. When performing queries, remember to give reporting institutions time to submit and correct their data.
If you perform queries by semester, we recommend performing them during the following times to make sure you capture the most available data:
- Spring Semester: Mid-April
- Summer Semester: Mid-August
- Fall Semester: Mid-November