Data Analytics

Higher Ed Benchmarking Tool Compares Financial Metrics to Peer Institutions

• By Rhea Kelly
• 05/03/21

Accounting and advisory firm BKD CPAs & Advisors has released a benchmarking tool that allows colleges and universities to compare their financial metrics and performance indicators with peer institutions.

BKDpulse offers a suite of interactive dashboards that use data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to help institutions track their composite financial index (CFI) score, operating margin, days cash on hand and age of plant, according to a news announcement. Users can create custom groups to compare data across or within institution types (including private and public institutions, proprietary schools and community colleges), and then assess the relative financial position of their own institution.

"BKDpulse allows financial leaders, institutional researchers and enrollment planners to quickly and efficiently access and visualize data in ways that allow them to make timely and informed decisions," explained Adam Smith, BKD partner and Higher Education Center of Excellence leader, in a statement. "Time is critical in today's environment, and this tool can help leaders gain more insights and respond to important industry data."

For more information, visit the BKD site.