Institutional Research: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Institutional Research is a specialized academic field focused on equipping professionals to collect, analyze, and interpret data that inform strategic planning and operational effectiveness within higher education institutions. This program cultivates expertise in transforming complex institutional data into actionable insights that support policy development, accreditation, and long-term institutional improvement.
- Data analysis: The systematic examination of large-scale datasets to identify patterns, trends, and performance indicators across academic, administrative, and student services functions.
- Data-driven decision-making: The practice of using empirical evidence and statistical findings to guide leadership choices in areas such as enrollment management, resource allocation, and academic program evaluation.
- Data mining: Advanced techniques for uncovering hidden relationships and predictive trends within institutional databases, including student success metrics and retention patterns.
- Higher education administration and organization: An exploration of institutional structures, governance models, and administrative workflows that shape the operational landscape of colleges and universities.
- Research methods: Rigorous training in qualitative and quantitative approaches to designing studies, ensuring validity, reliability, and ethical standards in institutional data collection.
- Statistics: Advanced application of statistical models and inferential techniques to assess institutional outcomes, evaluate program effectiveness, and support evidence-based reforms.
Institutional Research Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Institutional Research Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Institutional Research degrees, including Statisticians, Management Analysts and Survey Researchers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 931,420 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Management Analysts 13-1111 | $101,190 | $59,720 - $174,140 | 893,900 | $48.65 |
| Survey Researchers 19-3022 | $63,380 | $36,950 - $118,730 | 7,720 | $30.47 |
Institutional Research Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $63,263 in Maine to $118,617 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 931,420 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Institutional Research by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Institutional Research programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Institutional Research is found at Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Institutional Research programs
How much can I earn with a Institutional Research degree?
Salaries for Institutional Research graduates vary by role and location. Statisticians earn a median of $103,300 annually, while Management Analysts earn around $101,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $118,617 compared to $63,263 in Maine. Approximately 931,420 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Institutional Research programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Institutional Research degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Institutional Research degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Statisticians, Management Analysts, and Survey Researchers. Related occupations employ approximately 931,420 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Education Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Education field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Chemistry Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach chemistry programs at various educational levels.
Drama and Dance Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach drama and/or dance programs at various educational levels.
French Language Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach French language programs at various educational levels.
German Language Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach German language programs at various educational levels.
Health Occupations Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach specific vocational health occupations programs at various educational levels.
History Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach history programs at various educational levels.