On August 7, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon directed the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to collect data on admissions for institutions of higher education to ensure that race-based preferences are not being used as part of the admissions process.
Previously, surveys asked for aggregate data on those who applied. However, colleges and universities will now have to report data on their applicants, students that transfer in, admitted students, and enrolled students, broken down by race and sex. This data will include academic metrics such as test scores and grade point averages.
The intent for the enhanced requirements, according to the press release, is to “promote transparency” and help ensure “race-based preferences are not used” in admission processes. This move fulfills President Trump’s memorandum directing the U.S. Department of Education to promote transparency in higher education.
Data will be collected through an existing system called the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This data collection process, which is overseen by NCES, gathers information on admissions, enrollment, and finances from colleges and universities that participate in financial aid programs. As part of the Presidential Memorandum, NCES is to begin collecting the additional data during the 2025-2026 school year.
Additionally, Secretary McMahon has directed NCES to develop a strict audit process to ensure the data collected is accurate and consistent across institutions.
DCI is analyzing these new requirements and will publish new resources. Stay on top of all the updates by subscribing to our blog and webinar alerts.
