| HBCU | Historically Black College or University |
| HEGIS | Higher Education General Information Survey |
| HSI | Hispanic-serving Institution |
| IPEDS | Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System |
| NCES | National Center for Education Statistics |
| NPSAS | National Postsecondary Student Aid Study |
| NSF | National Science Foundation |
| R&D | research and development |
| S&E | science and engineering |
| SDR | Survey of Doctorate Recipients |
| SED | Survey of Earned Doctorates |
| SRS | Division of Science Resources Studies |
| SESTAT | Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System |
| TCU | Tribal College or University |