The World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained and developed by the International Association of Universities in collaboration with UNESCO, recently finalised its most recent update of institutions in the United States.

The WHED team verified and updated information for all 2568 institutions listed in the database in the United States. This involved checks of multiple accreditor websites and the collection of detailed data on the extensive array of degree programs offered within each institution.

The outcome of this effort provided valuable insights into the US higher education sector. Notably, there are 768 public HEIs and 1800 private HEIs, each meeting stringent WHED criteria, including offering at least a four-year Bachelor’s degree and having graduated at least three cohorts of students. Digging deeper into the dynamics of higher education in the United States, the latest WHED update revealed significant reliance on private funding in a majority of higher education institutions and that leadership in the country’s higher education sector remains markedly male-dominated.

About the WHED:
The World Higher Education Database (WHED) is the IAU unique online reference portal that provides authoritative information on some 21,000 accredited higher education institutions as well as on higher education systems and credentials in 196 countries and territories. It is globally recognized as an official source of information and maintained in collaboration with UNESCO.

The IAU has been collecting this data since its foundation in 1950. The WHED has evolved constantly to meet the needs of the global higher education community. The WHED team collects, processes, validates and publishes comprehensive and detailed higher education data on the portal on a continuous basis.

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