The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - Glossary

Skip Navigation

small header image

U.S. Department of Education
Institute of Education Sciences

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Glossary

The online version of the IPEDS Glossary provides definitions for almost 500 postsecondary-related terms used in the collection and dissemination of IPEDS data.

Search A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W 0-9

Term	Definition	Related terms
General purpose financial statement (GPFS)	Financial statements issued to parties outside the management of an institution. These are provided to creditors, donors, public officials outside the institution, and other external parties. GPFS differ from internal management financial reports, although GPFS may also be of use to board members and officials of the institution. The audit opinion is issued on the GPFS.