Help & FAQ
Frequently asked questions and user guides
Welcome to FYF! Here's how to get started:
- Search for institutions: Use the search box on the home page or rankings page to find colleges by name or state
- Filter results: Narrow down results by state or control type (Public, Private Nonprofit, Private For-profit)
- View details: Click on any institution name to see detailed metrics and program information
- Compare schools: Use the Compare page to side-by-side compare up to 3 institutions
Each metric provides insight into different aspects of college performance:
- Return Index: Measures financial return on investment - higher values indicate better post-graduation earnings
- Affordability Index: Evaluates cost and financial aid - higher values indicate more affordable options
- Access Index: Assesses enrollment of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds - higher values indicate better access
- Mobility Index: Measures economic mobility outcomes - higher values indicate better mobility support
All indices are normalized scores where higher values are better. A "—" indicates data is not available for that metric.
How often is the data updated?
Data is updated quarterly as new information becomes available from our data sources.
What if an institution is missing data?
Missing data points are displayed as "—". When multiple metrics are missing, we may use statistical imputation, which is clearly marked on institution pages.
How do I find a specific institution?
Use the search box on the home page or rankings page. You can search by institution name or filter by state abbreviation.
What is an OPEID?
OPEID (Office of Postsecondary Education ID) is a unique identifier for each institution. You can find it in the URL when viewing an institution's profile page.