Ohio University Peer University Study

The population of universities for the study was the 102 public doctoral/research-extensive universities in the United States, as defined by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in its 2000 classification.  According to the Carnegie Foundation, “These institutions typically offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs, and they are committed to graduate education through the doctorate. During the period studied, they awarded 50 or more doctoral degrees per year across at least 15 disciplines.”

Variables were selected primarily from US News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges and the US Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).  US News ranks colleges and universities based on measures related to undergraduate education, using data it collects from the institutions themselves and from other sources, such as IPEDS.  The selection of variables was based on relevance to Ohio University’s mission as well as reliability and availability of data.  Nine broad categories were created:

            Peer Assessment

            Freshman Admissions Selectivity

            Retention and Graduation Rates

            Student Experience

            Institutional Finances

            Faculty Salary

            Institutional Characteristics

            Race/Ethnicity

            Tuition and Financial Aid

Within these nine categories, 48 individual variables were used.  Definitions are given below.  For each variable, similarities were sought between Ohio University and each of the 102 public universities.  Natural “break points” were identified for each variable, with scores both above and below Ohio University’s data point.  For example, for freshman retention, universities were identified that had similar retention rates, both above and below Ohio University’s 84 percent rate.  For each university, a count was taken of the number of commonalities with Ohio University.  A list of 29 universities was produced that had the most commonalities across the broadest range of categories and variables.  Ohio University’s administrative officers reviewed this list and collaborated to identify the final 10.

The data for all of the universities will be updated annually.  If needed, additional measures may be added as they become available to assist the strategic planning effort.

• Listing of Peer Institutions and Web Links (PDF)

• Peer Institution Comparisons by Type of Variable 2006-07 Update (PDF)

• Data Definitions and Sources (PDF)

• Peer Institutions and Carnegie Classifications (PDF)

•   NCES - IPEDS Peer Comparisons (PDF)