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The College Research Stack™ is North Shore College Consulting’s structured framework for evaluating colleges using verified, institutional data — not rankings or online opinion. By layering insights from the Common Data Set (CDS), College Navigator (NCES/IPEDS), Net Price Calculators, College Scorecard, and official career outcome reports, families can assess admissions alignment, academic strength, financial sustainability, and post-graduate outcomes with clarity. Data alone does not create strategy — interpretation does. The Research Stack™ ensures decisions are informed, intentional, and aligned with long-term goals.
The most reliable sources are the Common Data Set (CDS) and College Navigator (NCES/IPEDS), which use standardized definitions and institutionally reported data.
The CDS provides detailed admissions statistics such as admit rates, GPA and test score ranges, waitlist data, and Section C7, which outlines the factors colleges consider in admission decisions.
Yes. College Navigator is powered by the National Center for Education Statistics and uses verified IPEDS data submitted directly by colleges and universities.
Net Price Calculators provide personalized cost estimates based on a family’s financial profile and are far more accurate than comparing published tuition alone.
Families should review a college’s official First Destination or Career Outcomes Report and compare it with federal earnings data available through College Scorecard.
Rankings reflect specific methodologies and institutional metrics, but they do not measure individual student alignment, financial sustainability, or long-term career positioning.
The College Research Stack™ is North Shore College Consulting’s structured framework for evaluating colleges using verified, institutional data — not rankings or online opinion. By layering insights from the Common Data Set (CDS), College Navigator (NCES/IPEDS), Net Price Calculators, College Scorecard, and official career outcome reports, families can assess admissions alignment, academic strength, financial sustainability, and post-graduate outcomes with clarity. Data alone does not create strategy — interpretation does. The Research Stack™ ensures decisions are informed, intentional, and aligned with long-term goals.
The most reliable sources are the Common Data Set (CDS) and College Navigator (NCES/IPEDS), which use standardized definitions and institutionally reported data.
The CDS provides detailed admissions statistics such as admit rates, GPA and test score ranges, waitlist data, and Section C7, which outlines the factors colleges consider in admission decisions.
Yes. College Navigator is powered by the National Center for Education Statistics and uses verified IPEDS data submitted directly by colleges and universities.
Net Price Calculators provide personalized cost estimates based on a family’s financial profile and are far more accurate than comparing published tuition alone.
Families should review a college’s official First Destination or Career Outcomes Report and compare it with federal earnings data available through College Scorecard.
Rankings reflect specific methodologies and institutional metrics, but they do not measure individual student alignment, financial sustainability, or long-term career positioning.