A system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). IPEDS consists of twelve interrelated survey components that are collected over three collection periods (fall, winter, and spring). The completion of all IPEDS surveys is mandatory for all institutions that participate in, or are applicants for participation in, any federal financial assistance program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The IPEDS program department of NCES was created in 1992 and began collecting data in 1993.
