NCES releases the annual data collection in two levels: provisional and final.
NCES completes an extensive quality control process when the provisional data is released to the public. Along with additional follow-up with institutions, blank data are imputed. IPEDS applies three imputation methods to estimate missing data (see Imputation Procedures section). The review process takes approximately 9 months after the completion of a reporting period. The provisional data are typically the first release to the general public.
In the following collection year, institutions may revise their data should an error be detected by the institution. Institutions update their data through the IPEDS Prior Year Revision System and the incorrect provisional data is updated with the revisions. Final data for each component are released approximately 12 months after the provisional release of the data.