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National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics collects, analyzes, and reports data on U.S. education from early childhood through adulthood.
About National Center for Education Statistics
The National Center for Education Statistics is the federal statistical agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on the condition of U.S. education, from early childhood to adult education. It has done this work since 1867. Its surveys and programs draw on state reports, direct student assessments, longitudinal studies, international surveys, postsecondary institutions, adult surveys, and federal data sources. Its outputs include reports such as the Condition of Education 2026, a set of dashboards, and a release calendar for upcoming products.
Some data are restricted. The site lists 2023-24 Private School Universe Survey restricted-use data among its publications, and the homepage does not explain who may access restricted files. Pricing is not listed.
Key features
- Common Core of Data: annual national database of public elementary and secondary schools and districts
- Early Childhood Longitudinal Study tracking child development from birth through elementary school
- National Assessment of Educational Progress reporting on student academic achievement in various subjects
- Dashboards including Digest State, School Pulse Panel, Teacher and Principal, and Achievement Gap
- Education Demographic and Geographic Estimates program with geographic locale classifications and school district boundaries
- Release calendar listing upcoming NCES products and publications
Best for: Researchers, policy analysts, and educators who need official national statistics on U.S. education.
Good for
- Federal statistical agency with a documented role in collecting and reporting U.S. education data since 1867
- Covers education from early childhood through adult education
- Publishes a release calendar for upcoming products and publications
Watch out for
- Some datasets, such as the 2023-24 Private School Universe Survey, are listed as restricted-use data
- Coverage is focused on U.S. education
National Center for Education Statistics at a glance
- Website
- nces.ed.gov
- Category
- Research & Data › Open Data & Datasets
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Good for
- Students
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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National Center for Education Statistics FAQ
Does NCES cover only the United States?
Its focus is the condition of education in the United States. Its programs also include international studies, such as the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), which is a large-scale international study of adult skills.
Are all NCES datasets publicly available?
Not all of them. The site lists restricted-use data for the 2023-24 Private School Universe Survey, and the homepage does not describe the access process for these files.
How can I find upcoming NCES releases?
The homepage links to a release calendar that lists upcoming product and publication releases.
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