National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS)

The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) takes representative samples of students and their postsecondary institutions from all across the country to find out how education after high school is being paid for. The purpose of the study is to provide information regarding policies and procedures associated with financial aid, especially since there has been an increase in assistance programs in the last twenty years.

All types of postsecondary educational institutions are included in the study, from under-two-year institutions to four-year colleges, both public and private. This is to insure that every kind of student, from all backgrounds is represented in the survey. The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study consists of the cost of tuition for all types of schools, the allocation of financial aid, and the family circumstances of all students. The data that is obtained from the survey is also used to study subgroups of students, such as the Beginning Postsecondary Students study and the Baccalaureate and Beyond study, to further understand the effects that financial aid has on the continuing of education and the transition to careers.

Post secondary institutions that are eligible to participate in the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) must provide on-campus classes and academic or vocational programs that are at least three months in length to students that have graduated from high school or the equivalent. All schools must be in the United States, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Any students who are taking classes during any semester can participate in the study, with the exception of high school students who are taking concurrent classes.

The statistics that are collected for the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) are derived from government and institutional records and from phone interviews with the students.