How to Research Schools
Parents and students have the opportunity to become more informed than ever about their elementary, middle, high school, and college. The websites on this page allow parents and students to research school performance, test scores, demographics, graduation rates, national ranking, and student impressions.
SAT, ACT, and AP Exam Scores
ACT Scores for the entire country and by individual state.
SAT Scores by state, racial group, and subject area.
AP Report to the Nation provides AP exam data by state, racial group, and subject area.
K-12 School Demographics
The U.S. Department of Education website provides information about federal programs, parent rights, Title I schools, etc.
The National Center for Education Statistics website is the central source of information for K-12 public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities.
To identify your school’s performance, as measured on their Adequate Yearly Progress Report (AYP), google your state and the term AYP, e.g., “Georgia AYP.” This should take you to your state department of education website where you may identify your school and read their report.
Read AYP 101 for more information
College Information
There are a number of sources for gathering information on U.S. colleges and universities. The National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator website provides comprehensive information.
The College Results Online website provides extensive institutional information for all U.S. colleges and universities such as admission rates, graduation rates, costs, demographics, and student enrollment.
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund provides a listing of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Newsweek ranking of U.S. Colleges and Universities
Princeton Review College Rankings
A comprehensive listing of Community Colleges by state
Aspen Institute’s ranking of Community Colleges
The College Confidential website provides discussion forums were parents and students share their experiences
The College Prowler website provides comprehensive information from students regarding financial aid, best experiences, campus life, etc.
Financial Aid
The Project on Student Debt provides important information, reports, and research regarding student loan debt.
The FinAid website provides an extensive overview of the types, costs, and processes associated with borrowing and repaying student loans.
Comparison of 5 top scholarship search engines for information about scholarship search websites.
The U.S. Government’s Federal Student Aid website guides you through a number of questions that will assist in identifying your options for paying for college. It will estimate your EFC (Expected Family Contribution), whether or not you are Pell Grant eligible, and the type and amounts of Federal Student Loans you qualify for.
Please share this page with your friends and classmates. This page will be continually updated as more research websites are identified.