Data and Research Resources
There are many web-based resources for gathering data and conducting research. The following are a few that we would like to share. For even more resources try our Links page as well. The College Archive is another resource for historical information about The Evergreen State College. Tips for research presentations are also available.
Education Data
The National Center for Educational Statistics
- This site hosts the College Navigator (formerly IPEDS COOL), which provides an easy way to look up educational institutions.
- To download information from multiple institutions, use the IPEDS Executive Peer Tool or Peer Analysis System
Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board posts information about Washington educational institutions. See the Research and Analysis page.
Washington State Report Card provided by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Population and Demographic Data
The U.S. Census Bureau has population and demographic information by geographic areas (i.e. census tracts, cities, metropolitan statistical areas, counties, zip codes, states, U.S.) The U.S. Census Bureau American FactFinder page gives you quick access to this information. The fact sheet page is a very quick and easy way to look for 2000 census data at several geographic levels.
The Thurston Regional Planning Council provides a document called The Profile. The Profile includes up-to-date population and demographic information at the county, city and tribe levels.
The Puget Sound Regional Council has data primarily for the region that includes King, Pierce, and Kitsap counties. Check their Regional Data and Publications page.
The State of Washington Office of Financial Management is a source of both demographic information (see Population on the left menu of the OFM web page) and information specific to higher education (see Research & Data on the left menu of the OFM web page.)
Economic Data
For economic comparisons and information about jobs and wages:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Washington State Employment Security Department
The U.S. Census Bureau Economic Census web page provides information about the national, regional, or local economy, including statistics on industry sectors.
OFM also has a web page with economic data and an excellent links page.
See also the Puget Sound Regional Council above.
Tips for Research Presentations
The following are resources to aid in planning presentations: