Appendix C - Contact Materials

3. HIDDEN TEXT TO CONTROL APPENDIX PAGE NUMBER – DO NOT DELETE

2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) FIELD TEST

Appendix C

Student Contacting Materials

OMB # 1850-0631 v.20

Submitted by

National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

September 2023

This appendix includes all contacting materials that may be sent to sample members to request their participation during data collection for the field test 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25). These materials are listed in tentative schedule for sample member contacts. BPS:20/25 contact materials include a brochure, website text, letters, e-mails, postcards, text messages, interesting facts and trend data, merge fields, and “as needed” materials that may be used during data collection. The appendix also includes reinterview contact materials for the field test.

We will send these materials to students at varying times throughout data collection. ‘As Needed Contacts’ may be sent in addition to scheduled contacts, in place of scheduled contacts, or may not be sent at all. We will review response rates throughout data collection and determine most effective communication to impact response. We may also reuse some contacts during different phases of data collection. Once a sample member’s case has been finalized (either as a final refusal, other final status, or a completed survey), we will stop all contacting attempts.

We have inserted fills and merge fields into each contact to indicate where language may differ, for example, if used in a different data collection phase (early completion or production). Merge fields within the contact materials include the incentive payment options, the length of the survey, and other details specific to the case. The merge fields also account for the Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC) cases that must either be paid via check or, for some cases, cannot be paid at all. ControlID, addressID, and emailID are fills that we will use to track undeliverable contacts. For example, a unique e-mail ID is assigned to each e-mail address that we have for a particular case. The e-mail ID is included at the bottom of each e-mail as a way of tracking any undeliverable or bounced e-mails, ControlID is used for QC purposes, and AddressIDs are used to track undeliverable physical mail.

Materials may include items from the ‘Interesting Facts’ section. Not all the data contained in that section will be used at one time, but rather, selected facts will be pulled from this section to be included in contact materials.

Once language is approved by OMB, we will adjust the formatting and graphics of all contacting materials as needed, including letterheads, logos, QR codes, borders, and graphics in infographics mailings. We will assign each sample member a unique QR code to be included in the letters and postcards for direct access to the survey.

Tentative Schedule for Sample Member Contacts (dates are approximate and subject to change)

Greeting Card—Initial Contact	Mailing or E-mail	Early	Upon OMB approval
Data Collection Announcement Letter	Mailing	Early	3/1/2024
Data Collection Announcement E-mail	E-mail	Early	3/4/2024
Data Collection Announcement Text	Text	Early	3/9/2024
Reminder E-mail 1	E-mail	Early	3/12/2024
Reminder E-mail 2	E-mail	Early	3/20/2024
Reminder Postcard 1	Mailing	Early	3/22/2024
Text Message Reminder 1	Text	Early	3/24/2024
Reminder E-mail 3	E-mail	Production	3/30/2024
Text Message Reminder 2	Text	Production	4/8/2024
Reminder E-mail 4	E-mail	Production	4/9/2024
Reminder Letter 1	Mailing	Production	4/12/2024
Reminder E-mail 5	E-mail	Production	4/20/2024
Text Message Reminder 3	Text	Production	4/27/2024
Reminder Postcard 2	Mailing	Production	4/28/2024
Reminder E-mail 6	E-mail	Production	4/30/2024
Text Message Reminder 4	Text	Production	5/4/2024
Text Message Reminder 5	Text	Production	5/10/2024
Reminder E-mail 7	E-mail	Production	5/11/2024
Reminder E-mail 8	E-mail	Production	5/17/2024
Text Message Reminder 6	Text	Production	5/23/2024
Reminder E-mail 9	E-mail	Production	5/25/2024
Reminder Postcard 3	Mailing	Production	5/25/2024
Reminder E-mail 10	E-mail	Production	6/5/2024
Text Message Reminder 7	Text	Production	6/7/2024
Reminder Letter 2	Mailing	Production	6/15/2024
Reminder E-mail 11	E-mail	Production	6/17/2024
Text Message Reminder 8	Text	Production	6/21/2024
Reminder E-mail 12	E-mail	Production	6/24/2024
Text Message Reminder 9	Text	Production	6/27/2024
Reminder E-mail 13	E-mail	Production	6/28/2024
Thank You Letter – sent with check	Mailing	All phases	Rolling
Thank You E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
As Needed Contacts
As Needed Reminder E-mail 1	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 2	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 3	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 4	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 5	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 6	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 7	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 8	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 9	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 10	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 11	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 12	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 13	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 14	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 15	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 16	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 17	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Reminder E-mail 18	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Initial Contact E-mail (if time allows)	E-mail	Early	TBD
Incentive Change E-mail (Boost)	E-mail	Nonresponse conversion	TBD
Security Unlock E-mail	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Security 1302/1303 E-mail	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Re-Interview, Initial E-mail	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Re-Interview, Reminder E-mail 1	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Re-Interview, Reminder E-mail 2	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Contacting Reminder E-mail	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Partial Complete E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Paired Contact E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Interruption in Data Collection-Notice/Warning E-mail	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Interruption in Data Collection-Resume E-mail	E-mail	Any phase	TBD
Hard Refusal E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Canceled PayPal E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Missing Incentive Data E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
No Contact E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Outstanding Check E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Expired Check E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Preferred to Complete Online E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Data Collection Extension E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Data Collection Staff Prompt E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Missing PayPal E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Needs Incentive Selection E-mail (Didn’t Select Incentive)	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Failed PayPal Payment E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Returned PayPal E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Unclaimed PayPal E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Bad Address E-mail for Check Incentives	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
Undeliverable Check E-mail	E-mail	All phases	Rolling
As Needed Letter 1	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Letter 2	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Letter 3	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
Incentive Change Letter (Boost)	Mailing	Nonresponse conversion	TBD
Re-Interview Letter	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 1 (Incentive Eligible)	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 2	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 3	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 4	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 5	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 6	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 7	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Postcard 8 (Incentive Eligible)	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
Incentive Changes Announcement Postcard	Mailing	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 1	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 2	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 3	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 4	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 5	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 6	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 7	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 8	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 9	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 10	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 11	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 12	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 13	Text	Any phase	TBD
As Needed Text Message Reminder 14	Text	Any phase	TBD
Text Message Reminder (Instead of calls)	Text	Any phase	TBD
Re-Interview, Initial Text	Text	Any phase	TBD
Re-Interview, Reminder 1	Text	Any phase	TBD
Re-Interview, Reminder 2	Text	Any phase	TBD
Data Collection Extension Text Reminder	Text	Production	TBD
Interruption in Data Collection – Notice	Text	All phases	Rolling
Interruption in Data Collection – Resume	Text	All phases	Rolling
Hard Refusal (Not a Stop Text Refusal)	Text	All phases	Rolling
No Good Address for Payment (completed using text password)	Text	All phases	Rolling
Canceled PayPal Text (completed using text password and selected PayPal Incentive)	Text	All phases	Rolling
Missing Incentive Data Text (completed using text password)	Text	All phases	Rolling
Opted into Receiving Texts During Data Collection Via CATI or E-mail	Text	All phases	Rolling
Boost Text Reminder	Text	Production	TBD
Auto-Reply Text	Text	All phases	Rolling
BPS:20/25 FS Panel Maintenance Postcard	Mailing	BPS Full Scale	TBD
BPS:20/25 FS Panel Maintenance E-mail	E-mail	BPS Full Scale	TBD
BPS:20/25 FS Panel Maintenance Initial Contact Text	Text	BPS Full Scale	TBD

Contents

Brochure Text C-6

Website Text C-8

BPS:20/25 Consent Text C-13

Letters C-15

As Needed Letters C-22

E-mails C-31

As Needed E-mails C-47

Postcards C-94

As Needed Postcards C-96

Text Message Reminders C-102

As Needed Texts C-103

Interesting Facts—Trend Data C-108

Letter Merge Fields C-111

E-mail Merge Fields C-115

Postcard Merge Fields C-121

Brochure Text

FRONT COVER

2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test*

*Includes both current and former students.

PANEL 1, FLAP

Who is conducting BPS?

The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test is conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, with data collection being carried out under contract by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

NCES is authorized to conduct BPS by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543) and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purposes of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35).

How will my information be protected?

NCES is required to follow strict procedures to protect personal information in the collection, reporting, and publication of data. All of the information provided by individuals or institutions may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C §151).

BPS data security procedures are reviewed and approved by NCES data security staff. Your answers are secured behind firewalls and are encrypted during internet transmission using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. All surveys are password protected and require the user to log in before accessing the data. NCES employees and contractors are subject to large fines or imprisonment if individual responses are disclosed.

INSIDE PANELS

What is BPS?

The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study Field Test (BPS:20/25) follows students who started postsecondary education in the 2018-2019 academic year. BPS will survey about 2,600 current and former students in 2024 to collect information about their educational progress and plans, experience in the workforce, earnings and expenses, family status, and personal and professional goals. Postsecondary education is any education beyond high school, including career and technical school, college, and graduate school.

Why am I being asked to participate?

You are being asked to participate in BPS because you were enrolled in postsecondary education for the first time during the 2018–19 academic year. Your participation is critical to help policymakers and others better understand the experiences of students who began postsecondary education for the first time in 2018-19. Your personal circumstances are unique, and you cannot be replaced in this study. You may recall being asked to complete a survey in 2021, as part of the BPS:20/22 study.

What happens to the results?

Results from the current study will be posted on the NCES website (https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/bps/) as soon as they are available. Your responses will be combined with those of other students and will be presented in summary form only. No individually identifiable information will be published.

Researchers will use BPS data to explore a wide variety of topics, such as how financial aid influences persistence in and completion of postsecondary education.

How do I participate?

Participation is easy! You can complete the BPS survey online or over the phone.

Online

Log on to the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/using the Study ID and password provided to you in your study materials.

The survey is mobile-optimized, so it can be easily completed on a mobile device.

Phone

Call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056 to speak to one of our professional interviewers who are happy to assist you.

During data collection you may receive reminder communications in any of the following ways:

• Mail from the National Center for Education Statistics

• E-mails from <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

• Text messages and phone calls from the U.S. Department of Education

BACK COVER

Contact Us to Participate

For assistance, please contact the study Help Desk or visit the website:

800-247-6056

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>
https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

If you have questions or concerns about BPS:20/25 Field Test, contact:

RTI International

Michael Bryan

BPS Project Director at RTI
mbryan@rti.org

800-844-8959

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

David Richards, Ph.D.

BPS Study Director at NCES

David.Richards@ed.gov

202-245-6202

Conducted by: U.S. Department of Education; Institute of Education Sciences; National Center for Education Statistics https://nces.ed.gov

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631 Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

NCES 2024-YYY

Website Text

Home Page

Welcome to the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test*

*Includes both current and former students

Please enter your Study ID and password:

Study ID:

Password:

□ Show me what I’ve typed

Need your Study ID number or password? (hyperlink to Login Help page)

Have you lost your Study ID or password? Fill out this request form and we will e-mail your Study ID and password to you. Providing as much information as possible will help us respond to your request more quickly.

Study ID number (if known):

First Name (required):

Last Name (required):

Date of Birth (MM/YYYY):

Postsecondary Institution Name (2018–19 academic year):

Cell Phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX):

Other Phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX):

Update Contact Info

Click on the fields below to enter the information:

Study ID

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Suffix (drop-down)

Former Name

Cell Phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX) Home Phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX) Work Phone (XXX-XXX-XXXX)

E-mail Address

Other E-mail address

Address

Address Line 2

City Select State (drop-down) Zip Code

<<Your participation is very important, but we know there are many demands on your time. We will periodically send reminders for you to complete the BPS survey via e-mail, mail, phone, and text. In the past, many participants have preferred to receive text message reminders. Would you like to receive text message reminders?

Yes
No

>>[ONCE CONTACT INFO PAGE SUBMITTED, REDIRECT TO HOME PAGE]

Contact Us

If you need assistance, have questions regarding the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25), or prefer to complete the survey by phone, please contact us using the information below.

Help Desk E-mail

E-mail <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

Help Desk Telephone

Telephone 800-247-6056

Help Desk Hours

Help Desk staff are available at the following times to assist you:

Monday-Thursday	9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday	9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday	10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday	1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

All times are Eastern Time (ET).

Whom should I contact if I have additional questions or concerns?

If you have additional questions or concerns, BPS project staff are available to respond to your questions Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET.

BPS Staff

RTI Project Director	Michael Bryan
	mbryan@rti.org
	800-844-8959
NCES Study Director	David Richards, Ph.D.
	David.Richards@ed.gov
	202-245-6202

What to Expect

Why am I being asked to participate?

You are being asked to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test because you were enrolled in postsecondary education (any education beyond high school) for the first time during the 2018–19 academic year. Your participation is critical to help policymakers and others understand the experiences of current and former students who began postsecondary education for the first time in 2018-19. Your personal circumstances are unique, and you cannot be replaced in this study. You may recall being asked to complete a survey in 2021, as part of the BPS:20/22 study.

How can I complete the BPS survey?

You may complete the BPS survey on the Web – simply log in <https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/BPS/> by entering your Study ID number and password, which are provided in the BPS letter or e-mail you received. You can even complete it on your mobile device. If you need assistance accessing the survey on the website, or if you want to complete the survey by telephone, contact the BPS Help Desk by calling 800-247-6056 or sending an e-mail to <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Will I receive reminders to take the survey?

During data collection, you could receive reminder communications in any of the following ways:

• Mailings from the National Center for Education Statistics

• E-mails from <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

• Text messages and phone calls from the U.S. Department of Education

How long will the survey take?

For most people, we expect the survey will take about <<time>> minutes, depending on your answers. You do not have to complete the survey in one session. You can get started and, if you choose, you can easily log out and resume the survey later.

Do I have to participate?

Participation in this study is voluntary; however, your involvement is very important to the success of this study. By participating, you have the opportunity to help researchers, educators, and policymakers at the local, state, and national levels gain a better understanding of enrollment in postsecondary education, school expenses and financial aid, employment during and after school, demographics<<experiences related to the coronavirus pandemic,>> and living expenses.

Can I refuse to answer a question?

You may refuse to answer any question at any time. If you choose not to answer or are unable to answer a particular question, you may still continue with the rest of the survey. Just leave the question blank and click the ‘next’ button to move on to the next question.

How do I know your website is secure?

The BPS website is protected by Secure Sockets Layer technology. Your survey responses are collected over a secure server and connection also protected by SSL. SSL encrypts the communication between your browser and the BPS web server so your data will be kept secure.

Should I use a particular web browser to take the web survey?

The survey requires a browser that supports HTML5 and JavaScript. The latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Safari will work. If you are having any trouble completing the survey, please call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056 and we will be happy to assist you.

Previous Results

As with all prior Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study surveys, results will be presented in summary form only; no individual results will be published in a way that identifies any participant. Data collected from BPS will enable researchers, educators, and policymakers to gain a better understanding of enrollment in postsecondary education, school expenses, financial aid, employment during and after school, demographics, <<experiences related to the coronavirus pandemic,>> and living expenses.

Here’s what we’ve learned from previous BPS surveys…

A BPS 5-year follow-up was last conducted with students who were first enrolled in the 2011-2012 academic year and included about 22,000 study members. Selected findings from previous BPS surveys are presented below.

[INSERT SELECTED TREND DATA FROM INTERESTING FACTS – TREND DATA, PAGE C-108]

Confidentiality

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is required to follow strict procedures to protect personal information in the collection, reporting, and publication of data. All of the information provided by individuals or institutions may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C §151).

Data security procedures for BPS are reviewed and approved by NCES data security staff. Your answers are secured behind firewalls and are encrypted during internet transmission using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. All data entry modules are password protected and require the user to log in before accessing confidential data. Project staff are subject to large fines and/or imprisonment if they knowingly publish or communicate any individually identifiable information.

Congress has authorized the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences to collect data about the costs of postsecondary education because policymakers at all levels need reliable and current national data in order to make decisions about postsecondary education.

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543) and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purposes of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35).

The study has been approved by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1850-0631. The expiration date is MM/DD/YYYY.

Important note regarding text message communications for federal studies and the TCPA

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), under 47 U.S. Code §227, is a federal statute enacted in 1991 to safeguard consumer privacy. This legislation restricts telemarketing communications via voice calls, SMS texts, and fax without explicit prior consent. Per a July 2016 Declaratory Meeting before the Federal Communications Commission, it was confirmed that TCPA does not restrict research survey communications, provided those communications are lawfully made by the federal government or by agents acting under authority validly conferred on them by the federal government. Because it is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to collect data on postsecondary education, BPS:20/25 falls under this provision.

During the course of data collection, you may receive text message reminders regarding survey participation. You have the option to opt out of text message reminders at any time.

You can learn more about TCPA by clicking here. If you have any questions regarding our use of text message reminders, you can reach us by e-mail at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> or by phone at 800-844-8959.

About BPS

The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test collects data from about 2,600 students who started postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year. The study collects information from current and former students about their education progress and plans, experience in the workforce, earnings and expenses, family status, and personal and professional goals. Data for BPS are collected through a web or telephone survey, as well as through linkages to college records provided by the postsecondary institution and other data sources. The information collected will provide researchers, educators, and policymakers with a better understanding of enrollment in postsecondary education, school expenses and financial aid, employment during and after school, demographics, <<experiences related to the coronavirus pandemic,>> and living expenses.

The BPS:20/25 study is the second follow-up survey of a cohort of students who were enrolled in college or another postsecondary institution for the first time during the 2018–19 academic year. Most sample members will remember being asked to complete a survey in 2021 as part of the BPS:20/22 study.

Congress has authorized the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences to collect data about the costs of postsecondary education because policymakers at all levels need reliable and current national data in order to make decisions about postsecondary education.

BPS:20/25 is administered for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research firm.

To learn more about the data from previous BPS cycles, visit NCES’s BPS website https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/bps.

<<Important Note about BPS:20/25 <<and the>> coronavirus pandemic

We recognize how disruptive the coronavirus pandemic <<is//was//has been>> to the education community, students, and parents. Your participation in BPS:20/25 will be vital in understanding how the coronavirus pandemic affected students like you during their postsecondary education, even if you have already graduated, are still in school, or discontinued your postsecondary education. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our project Help Desk at 800-844-8959 or <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Footer (Included on all pages of the student website, including login and welcome page. Not included on the student survey pages.)

National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences

OMB Clearance No: 1850-0631 Expiration Date: MM/DD/YYYY.

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543) and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0631. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average approximately <<time>> minutes per survey response, including the time to review instructions, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please write directly to: The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12^th St., SW, Room 4037, Washington, DC 20202. OMB Clearance No: 1850-0631 Expiration Date: MM/DD/YYYY.

BPS:20/25 Consent Text

Participants see the Web Consent Text when they log in to complete the self-administered survey. When participants agree to complete the survey via CATI, the CATI Consent Text is read to participants over the telephone by an interviewer.

CATI Consent Text (Survey):

LTR_S – (THIS SCREEN IS READ TO ALL SAMPLE MEMBERS INTERVIEWED VIA PHONE). (read to all sample members who opted for CATI):

Recently, we sent you material about the U. S. Department of Education’s Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS) Field Test. As part of the study, the survey is being conducted to better understand the education and employment experiences of current and former students who began their postsecondary education during the 2018-2019 academic year.

The survey takes at least <<time>> minutes to complete[{if not on OFAC do not pay list} and, as a token of our appreciation, you will receive $[incentive amount] for participating].

In addition to your survey responses, we collect other enrollment-related data from your institution and sources such as student loan databases and admissions testing agencies. Your responses, combined with any student record information, may be used for statistical purposes and will not be disclosed, or used, in personally identifiable forms for any other purpose, except as required by law (20 U. S. C. §9573 and 6 U. S. C. §151).

Sometimes researchers use data from previous studies or share data with each other if they are conducting similar research. For these reasons, we may use or share your deidentified data with other researchers. If we do so, we will not contact you to ask for your additional informed consent.

Your participation is voluntary and will not affect any aid or other benefits that you may receive. You may decline to answer any question or stop the survey at any time. The risks of participating in this study are small and relate to data security. We have the following precautions in place – your responses are stored within an enhanced security network, only authorized project staff have access to data, and all staff have participated in privacy training, signed confidentiality agreements, and undergone rigorous background checks. All personally identifiable information will be kept in secure and protected data files and will be separate from the responses you provide in this survey.

If you are located in the European Union (EU) or the United Kingdom (UK), you have rights under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and the UK Data Protection Act.  By providing consent, you agree and understand that your personal information will be transferred to a data center located in the United States.

 

If you have questions about the use and protection of your information, you can contact the study director, Michael Bryan, at 800-844-8959. For questions about your rights as a participant, you can contact RTI’s Office of Research Protection toll-free at 866-214-2043.

This call may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance purposes. If you would like to learn more about the study, please let me know.

(IF SAMPLE MEMBER HAS ANY QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, READ NOLET. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE WITH GOTLTS AND DO NOT READ NOLET.)

GOTLTS (read to all sample members who at the end of the LTR_S script do not have any questions):

May we begin the survey now?

(READ AS NEEDED: At your request, we can re-mail the information to you. If you have any questions about this study, you may contact the study’s director, Michael Bryan, at 800-844-8959. For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI’s Office of Research Protection at 866-214-2043.)

NOLET (read as needed to all sample members who need more information):

You are one of approximately 2,600 current or former students who will be taking part in this study.

Data security/privacy concerns: RTI is dedicated to protecting your survey responses and personally identifiable information. Your information will be combined with that of roughly 2,600 other survey respondents. Survey responses are protected with industry-standard SSL encryption. RTI International’s computer systems are carefully designed and regularly tested to safeguard information provided by survey respondents. All survey data is kept in an enhanced security network.

Study purpose: This survey is a follow-up of current or former students like you, who were first enrolled in college or other postsecondary education in 2018-2019. BPS results will provide a national picture of students’ educational progress and future plans, experience in the workforce, earnings and expenses, family status, and personal and professional goals.

Survey content: Some of the key survey questions ask about topics such as completion of various degree and certificate programs, how long it takes students to complete their program, receipt of financial aid, why some students leave or transfer from their school, and the impact of employment on academic success.

Sponsor: This study is being conducted for the National Center for Education Statistics, or NCES, in the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences.

May we begin the survey now?

(READ AS NEEDED: For questions about your rights as a study participant, please contact RTI’s Office of Research Protection at 866-214-2043.)

Letters

Data Collection Announcement Letter

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«casenamenosuffixALLCAPS»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»,

Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, an important U.S. Department of Education study that will collect information about the educational progress, experience in the workforce, earnings and expenses, family status, and personal and professional goals of current and former students who began their postsecondary education during the 2018–19 academic year; data collected will help shape postsecondary research and policymaking. [IF COMPLETED BPS:22:<<You may recall participating in the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2021.>>]IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS:<<BPS is a follow-up to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), which you may recall participating in a few years ago.>>] Regardless of whether you have already graduated, are still in school, or discontinued your postsecondary education, your personal circumstances are unique, and you cannot be replaced in this study.

Help shape higher education policy by sharing your education experiences.

Please follow these steps to participate:

[IF IN ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENTAL GROUP:

• First, take just a few minutes and go to our secure BPS survey website — by using the login credentials below OR the camera on your phone to scan the QR code — to update your contact information and receive $5 via <<PayPal right now or >>check!

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps

• Study ID: <<caseID>>

• Password: <<password>>

<<QRCODE>>

• Then, complete your <<time>>-minute survey and you will also receive <<$inc_amount>>.]

[IF IN ADDRESS CONFIRMATION CONTROL GROUP:

• Go to our secure BPS survey website and use the login credentials below to complete your <<time>>-minute survey[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: and receive $<<inc_amount>>, payable by <<PayPal or >> check>>].

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

• Study ID: «caseID»

• Password: «password»

• Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below:

«QRCODE»

If you have questions or problems completing your survey online, or prefer to complete the survey over the telephone, call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>mailto:bps@rti.org.

Because your participation is important, you may receive reminders via e-mail, mail, phone, and text message.

We hope that you enjoy the survey and the opportunity to tell us about your postsecondary education experiences.

Sincerely,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0631. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average approximately <<time>> minutes per survey response, including the time to review instructions, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please write directly to: The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12^th St., SW, Room 4037, Washington, DC 20202. OMB Clearance No: 1850-0631 Expiration Date: MM/DD/YYYY.

Reminder Letter 1

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«casenamenosuffixALLCAPS»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»,

Data collection for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test continues and we want to hear from current and former students like you.

The survey – which can easily be completed on your mobile device – takes approximately <<time>> minutes of your time.

[INSERT ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT - LETTER MERGE FIELD, PAGE C-114]

Please log on to our secure website to participate:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Note: Your password is case sensitive; you will need to enter it exactly as it appears here.

Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below to take you to the survey:

«QRCODE»

If you have questions, need help completing your survey online, or prefer to complete the survey over the phone, simply call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thank you, in advance, for your participation.

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

Reminder Letter 2

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«casenamenosuffixALLCAPS»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»,

Hearing from current and former students like you who began their postsecondary education in the 2018-19 academic year is very important. Data from the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test help policymakers, researchers, and educators better understand students’ experiences with education beyond high school.

Your experiences are unique, and no one can replace you in this <<time>>-minute survey.

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Once you complete your survey, «now »you will <<still >>receive $«inc_amount» for participating, payable by «PayPal or »check»»!»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

Complete your survey today by logging on:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Note: Your password is case sensitive; you will need to enter it exactly as it appears here.

Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below to take you to the survey:

«QRCODE»

If you have questions, need help completing your survey online, or prefer to complete the survey over the telephone, simply call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thank you, in advance, for your participation.

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

Thank You Letter – sent with check

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«casenamenosuffixALLCAPS»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»:

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and the staff of the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, we would like to thank you. Your participation in BPS will help policymakers make decisions about postsecondary education.

[IF ONLY COMPLETED ADDRESS CONFIRMATION: <<Enclosed you will find a check for $«IncAmt» as a token of our appreciation for updating your contact information. If you haven’t done so, we hope you will complete your interview now, for which you will be paid an additional $<<inc_amout>>! If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. Thank you for helping us make BPS a success!>>]

[IF ONLY COMPLETED SURVEY: <<Enclosed you will find a check for $«IncAmt» as a token of our appreciation for completing the survey. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. Thank you for helping us make BPS a success!

[IF COMPLETED ADDRESS CONFIRMATION AND SURVEY WITHIN THE SAME WEEK: <<Enclosed you will find a check for $«IncAmt» as a token of our appreciation for updating your contact information and completing the survey. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. Thank you for helping us make BPS a success!

[IF REINTERVIEW = 1: <<At the end of your survey, you were randomly selected for and agreed to participate in a quality control survey. We will contact you in a few weeks when your quality control survey is available. As a reminder, this second survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<and you will receive $5 for completing it>>.]

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

As Needed Letters

As Needed Letter 1

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

««casenamenosuffixALLCAPS»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»,

The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test provides researchers, policymakers, and educators with important data. Notably, data obtained during the BPS study are reported in summary form only and help interested parties get a national picture of students’ educational progress, experience in the workforce, earnings and expenses, <<experiences related to the coronavirus pandemic>>, family status, and personal and professional goals.

When you participate in BPS, you are representing thousands of other current and former students. Help us make this study a success and inform future education policy!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS, PAGE C-111]

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Because your participation is so important, <<now>> you’ll»/«You'll» <<still >>receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check for your participation!»]

Completing your <<time>>-minute survey is easy. You can:

• Complete it online:

  • Go to our secure website: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

  • Enter your Study ID: «caseid»

  • Password: «password»

Note: Your password is case sensitive; you will need to enter it exactly as it appears here.

• Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below to take you to the «survey»/«website»:

«QRCODE»

• <<Call us at 800-247-6056 to complete your survey over the phone.>>

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Sincerely,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

[INSERT SOURCE CITATION FOR FACT SELECTED ON INTERESTING FACTS TABLE, PAGE C-111]

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

As Needed Letter 2

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«fname» «mname» «lname» «suffix»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»,

The U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test takes about <<time>> minutes of your time. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Because your participation is so important, <<now>> we’re»/<<«We’re» <<still >>>>offering $«inc_amount» for your participation.]

You are being asked to participate in the BPS study because you were first enrolled in postsecondary education during the 2018–19 academic year. The data you provide, combined with that of other current and former students, will help educators, researchers, and policymakers at the local, state, and national levels better understand students’ experiences with postsecondary education.

To complete your survey:

• Log on to our website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ using the credentials provided below.

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Note: Your password is case sensitive; you will need to enter it exactly as it appears here.

• Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below to take you to the survey:

«QRCODE»

You can also e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>mailto:bps@ed.gov or call 800-247-6056 to get more information about BPS or to complete your survey by phone.

Sincerely,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

As Needed Letter 3

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«casenamenosuffixALLCAPS»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»,

The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test is an important national education study that helps inform future education policy. When you participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s BPS study, you will represent current and former students who were not selected to participate.

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Because your participation is so important, <<now>> you’ll»/«You'll» <<still >>receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check for your participation!»]

To complete your <<time>>-minute survey:

• Log on to our secure website: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Note: Your password is case sensitive; you will need to enter it exactly as it appears here.

• Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below to take you to the survey:

«QRCODE»

• <<Call us at 800-247-6056 to complete your survey over the phone.>>

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Sincerely,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

Incentive Change Letter (Boost) — (Incentive Eligible)

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«fname» «mname» «lname» «suffix»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»,

Since your participation in the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS) is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»! Complete your «shortened» «time»-minute survey today and receive your additional $«boost_amount».

To complete your survey today, go to the BPS website and log on using your study ID and password below:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Note: Your password is case sensitive; you will need to enter it exactly as it appears here.

Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below to take you to the «survey»/«website»:

«QRCODE»

If you have questions, need help completing your survey online, or prefer to complete the survey over the telephone, simply call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Para solicitar materiales de contacto en español en el futuro, por favor llama al 800-247-6056 o envia un correo electronico a bps@rti.org.

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

«panelinfo»/«controlID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

Re-Interview Letter

«date»

«fname» «mname» «lname» «suffix» Study ID: «caseid»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip» «zip4»

Dear «fname»:

You may recall recently completing the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey. Thank you for your participation! Hearing from you is extremely important to us.

At the end of your survey, you were selected for and agreed to participate in a brief quality control survey. This second survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete <<and you will receive $5 for your participation>>.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – RE-INTERVIEW TYPE, PAGE C-114]

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can call us toll-free at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

If you have already completed this quality control survey, please disregard this message. Again, thank you for your time and willingness to participate.

Sincerely,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

Greeting Card—Initial Contact

«date»

Study ID: «caseid»

«casenamenosuffixALLCAPS»

«addr1»

«addr2»

«city», «state» «zip»

Dear «fname»,

<<Welcome to 2024>> // <<Congratulations!>> // <<Happy New Year!>>

<<<<This new year, the U.S. Department of Education>>//The U.S. Department of Education>> will be conducting the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test and you have been selected to participate! >> //<<You have been selected to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, conducted by the U.S. Department of Education.>> <<IF BPS:22 RESPONDENT: As you may recall, you completed the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2021. This is the final follow-up to that study.>><<[IF ONLY NPSAS:20 RESPONDENT: You may recall completing the 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20) in 2020; the BPS survey is the final follow-up to that survey.]>> We’re [ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS : <<now>>] asking for your help in improving researchers’ and policymakers’ understanding of enrollment in education beyond high school, school and living expenses, <<experiences related to the coronavirus pandemic,>> and employment during and after school.

BPS is starting soon! In the next few weeks, we will send you a large, white envelope containing information about how to participate. The password to log in to your survey will also be included. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: Once you complete the survey, we will send you $<<inc_amount>>, payable by <<PayPal or>> check.>>.] Your experiences are unique, so you cannot be replaced in this study.

Please update your contact information before BPS data collection begins so we can notify you when your survey is available. Visit our secure website below to update your contact information.

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/update-contact.aspx

Study ID: «caseID»

Or use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code below to take you to the website:

«QRCODE»

<<Happy New Year!>>

<<Wising you

a happy and healthy

New Year!>>

<<You’re invited!>>

<<Share your experiences and make a difference for future generations of students!>>

Sincerely,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization. All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

E-mails

Data Collection Announcement E-mail

SUBJECT: U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study

[INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO]

Congratulations, «fname»! You have been selected to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, conducted by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The study will collect information about education progress and plans, experience in the workforce, earnings and expenses, family status, and personal and professional goals from you and others like you who first enrolled in postsecondary education during the 2018–19 school year; data collected will help shape postsecondary research and policymaking. [IF COMPLETED BPS:22:<<You may recall completing the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2021.>>]IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS:<< BPS is a follow-up to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), which you may recall completing a few years ago.>>]

You were selected to represent many other students who were not chosen to participate, regardless of whether you have already graduated, are still enrolled, or discontinued your postsecondary education. Therefore, your participation is critical to the success of the study.

Please follow these steps to participate:

[IF ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENTAL GROUP:

• First, take a few minutes and go to our secure BPS survey website - by clicking the button below to automatically log in OR use the login credentials provided - to update your contact information and receive $5 via <<PayPal right now or> >check.

<<click here>>

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps

• Study ID: <<caseID>>

• Password: <<password>>

• Then, complete your <<time>>-minute survey and you will also receive <<$inc_amount>>.]

[IF ADDRESS CONFIRMATION CONTROL GROUP:

• Click the button below to automatically log in OR use the login credentials provided to complete your <<time>>-minute survey[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: and receive $<<inc_amount>>, payable by <<PayPal or >> check.>>]

<<click here>>

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

• Study ID: «caseID»

• Password: «password»]

If you have questions or problems completing your survey online, or prefer to complete the survey over the telephone, call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>mailto:bps@rti.org.

• Your participation in this study will not affect any aid or other benefits you receive.

• Because your participation is important, you may receive reminders via e-mail, mail, phone, and text message.

If you have questions about the study or prefer to complete your survey over the phone, please call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. You can also learn more by visiting the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/.

We hope you enjoy the opportunity to share your experiences and help inform policy decisions.

Many thanks,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization. All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 1

SUBJECT: <<Fname>>, The BPS Survey Needs You!

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«fname», we need you for the BPS study to be a success.

Recently, we sent you an invitation to take part in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test.

[INSERT ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT – E-MAIL MERGE FIELD, PAGE C-120]

Your participation takes <<time>> minutes and is critical to the success of the study. Complete your BPS survey today and help inform policymakers at all levels make decisions about <<current and former>> postsecondary education students like you during their postsecondary education>>.

It’s easy to complete today! <<click here button>>

You can also log on to our secure website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ using your study credentials:

Study ID: «caseID»
Password: «password»

You can also complete your survey over the phone by calling 800-247-6056.

It’s okay if you don't have time to complete the entire survey right now - you can start your survey now and finish it later. You'll be able to pick up right where you left off.

If you have other questions, please contact the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 2

SUBJECT: The BPS Survey: Your Questions Answered

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«Fname», we still need you to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test for the U.S. Department of Education.

[INSERT ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT – E-MAIL MERGE FIELD, PAGE C-120]

If you have questions about the study, we’re here to help.

How do I participate?

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Why do you want me to participate in BPS?

You are being asked to participate in BPS because you started postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year. We need to make sure that the BPS results represent other students who were not selected to participate. No one can replace you in this study. Your survey responses help educators, researchers, and policymakers at the local, state, and national levels better understand the experiences of current and former students like you.

How long will the survey take?

For most people, we expect the survey will take about <<time>> minutes, depending on your answers. You do not have to complete the survey in one session. You can get started and, if you choose, you can easily log out and resume at a later time.

How will my information be protected?

Keeping your personal information private is very important to us, and we are fully committed to keeping it safe. Federal law requires that we respect your privacy. NCES is required to follow strict procedures to protect the identity of persons in the collection, reporting, and publication of data. Read more about our confidentiality procedures at: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality.

If you need help accessing the survey or you want to complete it over the phone, please call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056. Your participation in BPS is very important, and we hope you choose to complete the survey.

Thank you!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 3

SUBJECT: Make a difference –complete your U.S. Department of Education Survey

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «fname», your $«inc_amount» for completing the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey awaits!»] // [IF NO INCENTIVE: «fname», your participation in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test is critical!»] It takes about <<time>> minutes [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «, and once you’ve completed your survey, «now »you’ll receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check»].

<<click here button>>

Or go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ and log in using:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can also complete your survey by phone with one of our trained interviewers by calling 800-247-6056. Please consider taking the BPS survey for the U.S. Department of Education. We are interested in hearing from current and former students who started postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year like you. Find more information on the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/.

Thanks,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 4

SUBJECT: A Message from the U.S. Department of Education

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Dear «fname»,

As the Study Director for the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), I hope that you will take time out of your busy schedule to complete the BPS survey today. The U.S. Department of Education uses data from this study to inform higher education policy and would appreciate your help.

The survey takes about <<time>> minutes [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «, and once you complete it, «now »you’ll <<still >>receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check».] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

<<click here button>>

Or go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ and log in using:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can also complete your survey by phone with one of our trained interviewers by calling 800-247-6056. Find more information on the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/.

Thank you,

David Richards

Study Director, BPS

National Center for Education Statistics

Institute of Education Sciences

U.S. Department of Education

David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 5

SUBJECT: Important U.S. Department of Education Study: BPS

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Dear «fname»,

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test! BPS is an important U.S. Department of Education study that will help researchers and policymakers better understand the experiences of students who started postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year. Regardless of whether you have already graduated, are still in school, or discontinued your postsecondary education, your feedback is important!

We still need your participation to make the study a success! Here are some important details:

• [INSERT ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT – E-MAIL MERGE FIELD, PAGE C-120]

• The survey will take approximately <<time>> minutes to complete.

• All the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

<<click here button>>

• Or visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/
  Study ID: «caseID»
  Password: «password»
  
  
  

Still have questions? Visit the website listed above, e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>, or call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 6

SUBJECT: BPS Data Collection Continues!

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

The BPS study won’t be a success without you, «fname»!

Data collection for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test continues, and we are interested in hearing from current and former students like you, regardless of whether you have already graduated, are still in school, or discontinued your postsecondary education! This study helps policymakers and others better understand the experiences of students who started postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year. [INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS, PAGE C-115].

The survey–which can easily be completed on your mobile device–takes approximately <<time>> minutes of your time. [INSERT ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT - E-MAIL MERGE FIELD, PAGE C-120]

<<click here button>>

Or visit https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Log in using your secure credentials:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Need help accessing the online survey? Prefer to complete your survey by telephone? Please call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this very important study.

Sincerely,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

[INSERT SOURCE CITATION FOR FACT SELECTED ON INTERESTING FACTS TABLE, PAGE C-115]

Reminder E-mail 7

SUBJECT: «fname», What Questions do you Have About the BPS Study?

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi «fname»,

We noticed that you haven’t yet participated in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test. Your experiences are unique, and no one can replace you.

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about the BPS Study–and we’re here to help! Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about BPS.

How can I participate in BPS?

It’s easy! The survey can be completed on any electronic device, including a mobile device or tablet.

<<click here button>>

Or go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ and log in:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can also complete your survey over the phone at 800-247-6056.

How long does the BPS survey take?

BPS is a <<time>>-minute survey[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «, and «now »you will <<still >>receive $«inc_amount» via «PayPal or »check» as a thank you for your participation.] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

What if I don’t have time to complete the entire survey right now?

No problem! You can start your survey now and finish it later–you’ll pick up right where you left off.

If you have other questions, please contact the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. Thank you in advance for making BPS a success.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 8

SUBJECT: Don’t Forget About Your BPS Survey, «fname»

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi «fname»,

You are an important member of the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test. Because we cannot survey everyone who started postsecondary education in 2018-19, you represent thousands of other current and former students just like you from across the country. We are counting on you!

Please complete the <<time >>-minute BPS survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and «now »we will <<still >>send you $«inc_amount» as a thank you for your time»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: and since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»].

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or reply to this e-mail if you have any questions or problems completing your survey or if you would like to participate over the telephone.

Thank you,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 9

SUBJECT: Your Participation in the BPS Study Matters

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi «fname»,

To have a complete picture of the costs and benefits of postsecondary education, it is important that we include current and former students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Regardless of whether you have already graduated, are still in school, or discontinued your postsecondary education, your experiences are unique, and no one can replace you in this study. [INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS, PAGE C-115].

Please complete your<<time>>-minute BPS survey to help with this important research [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and «now »//<<still >>receive $«inc_amount» for your efforts»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: and since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»]!

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Call 800-247-6056 to get more information about BPS or complete your survey by phone.

Thank you in advance for helping to shape higher education policy.

Sincerely,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

[INSERT SOURCE CITATION FOR FACT SELECTED ON INTERESTING FACTS TABLE, PAGE C-115]

Reminder E-mail 10

SUBJECT: Important Education Research - Participate in the BPS Study

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi «fname»,

Your participation in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test is critical to the success of the study, and we hope that you will participate. Data from the BPS:20/25 help policymakers, researchers, and educators, better understand beginning students’ experiences with education beyond high school<< and with the coronavirus pandemic>>. Hearing from current and former students who began their postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year is very important. No one can replace you in the study.

The BPS survey takes about <<time>> minutes [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «, and once you’ve completed it, «now »you’ll <<still >>receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: and since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»]!

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or reply to this e-mail if you have any questions or problems completing your survey or if you would like to participate over the phone.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences with us.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 11

SUBJECT: <<Urgent: >>The BPS Survey is Coming to a Close << >>>>>>

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

<<Countdown clock>>

Time to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test is running out, «fname»! We still want to hear about your experiences as a student who began their postsecondary education during the 2018–19 academic year.

«The BPS survey closes <<at end_time>> on «end_date».>>, so please complete your <<time>>-minute survey today. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «If you finish your survey by then, <<now >>you’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount» via «PayPal or »check»!»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

If you have any questions, please contact the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Best,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 12

SUBJECT: The BPS Survey Ends Tomorrow–Help Us Learn About Your Experiences

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

The U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test ends tomorrow, «fname»! We still want to hear about your unique experiences as a student.

Complete your <<time>>-minute survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «, and «now »you’ll <<still >>receive $«inc_amount» as a token of our appreciation»>>] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: <<, and since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»>>].

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you have questions, or if you would prefer to complete your survey over the phone, please call 800-247-6056.

Thanks in advance for participating! Have a great day.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Reminder E-mail 13

SUBJECT: <<Fname>>, Your Last Chance to Participate…The BPS Survey Ends Today!

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«fname», <<this is the last e-mail message we will be sending you about the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey.>><< Data collection ends today!>> Participation from current and former students like you is important the success of BPS:20/25. We hope you will participate before the survey comes to a close tonight<< at 12pm PT>>.

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

The survey takes about <<time>> minutes and can be completed on any electronic device, including a mobile device or tablet. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: ««Now you’ll »//««You’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount» via «PayPal or »check when you finish».»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

If you have questions, or if you would prefer to complete your survey over the telephone, please call 800-247-6056.

Thanks in advance for participating!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Thank You E-mail

SUBJECT: Thank You from BPS

Dear «fname»,

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and the staff of the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, we would like to thank you for participating in BPS. Your participation is very important in helping to ensure the success of the study.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE –INCENTIVE SELECTION, PAGE C-119]

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thank you for helping make BPS a success!

Sincerely,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

Study ID: «caseID»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed E-mails

As Needed Reminder E-mail 1

SUBJECT: «fname», Help Inform Education Policy: Participate in the BPS Study Today

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«fname»,

The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test is an important education study conducted on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS, PAGE C-115] You can find out more about what we’ve learned from previous BPS surveys here:
https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/prev_results.

The survey takes about <<time>> minutes and is easy to complete on your mobile device. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «When you complete your survey, «now »you’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or » check»!»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

<<click here button>>

Use your secure login credentials to access your survey at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you prefer, you may also complete your survey over the phone by calling the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thanks!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

[INSERT SOURCE CITATION FOR FACT SELECTED ON INTERESTING FACTS TABLE, PAGE C-115]

As Needed Reminder E-mail 2

SUBJECT: BPS Needs You, «fname»

«fname»,

You were selected to represent other current and former students in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, which surveys students who started postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year from across the country. No one can replace you. We hope that you will participate in this important U.S. Department of Education study.

BPS takes <<time>> minutes and is easy to complete on your mobile device. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «When you complete your survey, «now »you’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount» payable by «PayPal or »check»!»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

<<click here button>>

Or visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»
Password: «password»

To complete your survey by telephone call 800-247-6056. You can find more information on the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/.

Thanks!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 3

SUBJECT: Share Your Experiences with BPS

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«fname»,

This is your chance to contribute to important education research. You were selected to represent many other postsecondary students from across the country in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test. The BPS study is conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, with data collection being carried out under contract by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Call 800-247-6056 to get more information about BPS or to complete your survey by phone.

The BPS survey takes about <<time>> minutes! [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «When you complete your survey, «now »you’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check».»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

We look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Thank you,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

<<Study Conducted by:

<RTI Logo>>>

As Needed Reminder E-mail 4

SUBJECT LINE: The BPS Survey: What You Need to Know

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Dear «fname» –

Here are the important details you need to complete your <<time>>-minute survey for the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test:

• [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: ««Because your participation is important, <<now>> you’ll »/«You’ll »«<<still >>receive $«incamount» when you complete your survey, payable by check« or PayPal».»] //[IF NOT INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «You were selected to represent current and former students from across the country and the study won’t be a success without you!»]

• Click the button below or log in at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

• Study ID: «caseID»

• Password: «password»

• Alternatively, you can complete your survey over the phone by calling 800-247-6056.

<<click here button>>

If you have questions or problems completing your survey, simply contact the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thank you for helping make BPS a success.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 5

SUBJECT: BPS is Ending Soon–Don’t Miss Your Chance to Participate!

ALTERNATE SUBJECT: BPS Needs Your Participation, «fname»!

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«fname», data collection for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test «continues»//«will end soon»//«will end on [end_date]». Help us make this study a success and inform future education policy. It is crucial to the study that we hear from current and former students who started their postsecondary education in 2018–19 like you!

<<click here button>>

Or, log in to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

The BPS survey takes about <<time>> minutes to complete. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Because your participation in BPS is important, <<now>> you’ll »/««You’ll » <still >>«receive $«inc_amount» for completing your survey»!»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

Our professional interviewers can answer any questions you have and can complete your survey over the telephone with you if you prefer. Just call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thank you,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 6

SUBJECT: «Fname», Don’t Delay – Participate in BPS Today

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«Fname», we’ve been contacting you about participating in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test!

BPS is an important U.S. Department of Education study that will help policymakers better understand the experiences of current and former students like you. We want to include all types of students in our study, regardless of whether you have already graduated, are still in school, or discontinued your postsecondary education. You represent other students from across the country who are educationally, financially, and demographically similar to you.

We understand there are many demands on your time, but we need your help to make sure the study represents all students. Your survey takes <<time>> minutes to complete [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «, and «now »we will <<still >>send you $«inc_amount» for doing it»]// [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: <<, and since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»]!

<<click here button>>

You can also log on to our secure website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ using your study credentials:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Call 800-247-6056 to get more information about BPS or to complete your survey by phone.

We hope you will participate and help us better understand the experiences of current and former postsecondary students.

Thank you!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 7

SUBJECT: Only You Can Make BPS a Success. Will You Help?

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test is easy to complete, «fname»! You can even do so on your mobile device!

This U.S. Department of Education survey takes about <<time>> minutes. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «When you complete your survey, «now »you’ll <<still >>receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check».»] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST: Since your participation is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount»!]

<<click here button>>

If you prefer, you can go to the BPS website and log in using your secure login credentials below to access your survey:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can also complete your survey by phone by calling 800-247-6056.

If you have questions, please contact us at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. More information on BPS can be found on our website: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps.

We look forward to hearing about your postsecondary education experiences<< and your unique experiences related to the coronavirus pandemic>>.

Thanks!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 8

[IF NOT INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE] SUBJECT: BPS Study Information

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE] SUBJECT: Participate in BPS and receive an Incentive

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi «fname»,

We noticed that you haven’t participated in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test.

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about BPS–and we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about BPS.

Why is my participation important?

This survey is a follow-up for current and former students like you, who were first enrolled in postsecondary education in 2018-2019. [IF COMPLETED BPS22:<< You may remember participating in the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22), and we would like to follow up with you.>>][IF COMPLETED ONLY NPSAS: << You may remember participating in the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) a few years ago, and we would like to follow up with you.>>]

Your participation is important because it provides a national picture of students’ educational progress and future plans, experience in the workforce, earnings and expenses, family status, and personal and professional goals. Your experiences are unique, and no one can replace you.

How can I participate in BPS?

It’s easy! The survey can be completed on any electronic device, including a mobile device or tablet.

<<click here button>>

Or go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ and log in:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can also complete your survey over the phone at 800-247-6056.

What do I get out of this? How will my participation help?

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Now we’re >>/We’re <<still >>offering $inc_amount>>, payable by <<PayPal or >>check, as a token of our appreciation for completing the <<time>>-minute survey. The information you provide will help the U.S. Department of Education better understand the costs and benefits of postsecondary education. By participating, you have the opportunity to help policymakers, researchers, counselors, and others better understand the factors that influence the course of a student's postsecondary education and beyond.

If you have other questions, please contact the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. Thank you in advance for making BPS a success.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 9

Subject: «Fname», Share Your Experiences with the U.S. Department of Education

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi, «Fname»,

We still need you to participate in the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS) for the U.S. Department of Education. It takes «time» minutes to complete [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and, once you’re done, «now »you’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check» ».»]

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Alternatively, you can complete your survey by phone with one of our professional interviewers by calling 800-247-6056. More information on BPS can be found at the study website here: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/.

We look forward to hearing from you. Because we cannot survey everyone, you represent thousands of other current and former students from across the country.

Thanks!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 10

SUBJECT: «xx» Students Have Participated in BPS–Will You Join Them?

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«fname», you have the opportunity to contribute to important research conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. We still need to hear from current and former students like you and it takes about «time» minutes.

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «When you complete the BPS survey, «now »you'll «still »receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check.» ».»]

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you prefer, you may also complete your survey over the telephone by calling the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thank you,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 11

[IF NOT INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE] SUBJECT: Please Complete the U.S. Department of Education’s BPS Survey

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE] SUBJECT: Share your Experiences. Receive an Incentive.

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«Fname», we’ve been contacting you and other current and former students who began their postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year to participate in the BPS study. Because we cannot survey everyone, you represent thousands of other current and former students across the country. We want to include all types of students in our study.

The survey takes about «time» minutes [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and «now »you'll «still »receive $«inc_amount» when you complete it» ».»]

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

If you prefer to participate by telephone, have questions, or would like more information, just call 800-247-6056.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 12

SUBJECT: Help the U.S. Department of Education learn about current and former students like you

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

«fname»,

Data collection for the U.S. Department of Education’s BPS survey continues. We hope you will take the survey and contribute to this important research. [IF COMPLETED BPS22: You may remember participating in the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2021; this is the final follow-up to that study.][IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS: << You may remember participating in the 2018–19 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) in 2020, and we would like to follow up with you.>>]

The BPS survey takes about «time» minutes [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: and «now »you'll «still »receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check.»]

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

You were selected to represent students from across the country, regardless of whether you have already graduated, are still enrolled, or discontinued their postsecondary education, so the study won't be a success without you, «fname»!

If you have questions or would prefer to complete your survey over the telephone, please call the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or reply to this e-mail.

Thank you,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 13

SUBJECT: Represent Postsecondary Education <<Current and Former>> Students from Across the Country: Let Your Voice be Heard

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi, «fname»,

We’ve been trying to contact you over the past «number» months to complete the U.S. Department of Education’s BPS survey that takes about «time» minutes. We hope that you will take time out of your busy schedule to complete your survey today. We need your participation to find out what current and former students are experiencing in 2024.

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «When you complete your BPS survey, «now »you’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount», payable by« PayPal or »check»».»]]

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you need help accessing the survey or if you want to complete the survey over the phone, please call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>. Your participation in BPS is very important and we hope you choose to complete the survey.

Thank you,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 14

SUBJECT: «Fname», Participate in BPS Today!

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

We’ve been contacting you about participating in BPS, «Fname»!

We know that you have demands on your time, but we need your help to make sure that BPS is representative of <<current and former>> students from across the country who are educationally, financially, and demographically similar to you. Your survey takes about «time» minutes to complete.] [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Now, we will »/«We will »«still »send you $«inc_amount» for completing it» »!»]]

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our secure website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/
Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

You can call 800-247-6056 to get more information about BPS or to complete your survey by phone with one of our trained interviewers.

Thank you in advance for helping to inform future education policy.

Sincerely,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 15

SUBJECT: Don’t Miss Out: Your BPS Survey Takes «time» Minutes to Complete

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi, «Fname»,

Your experiences are unique and, if you choose not to participate in the «time»-minute BPS survey, no one can replace you.»] [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Once you complete your survey, you will« now »/« still »receive $«inc_amount» for participating, payable by «PayPal or »check» »!»

Participation is easy!

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log on to: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you have any questions, simply contact us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> or call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056.

Thanks,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 16

SUBJECT: Your BPS Survey is Waiting

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

<<Countdown Clock>>

«fname», start the BPS survey today!

There is still time to participate in the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS) for the U.S. Department of Education. Data collection for BPS continues, and we are interested in hearing from current and former students who began postsecondary education in the 2018–19 academic year like you. Your participation will help us find out what <current and former> students are experiencing in 2024

It takes about «time» minutes! [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Once you’ve completed your survey, <<now >>you’ll «still »receive $«inc_amount», payable by «PayPal or »check»»!»]

<<click here button>>

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

You can complete your survey by phone by calling 800-247-6056. Find more information on the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/.

Thanks,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 17

SUBJECT: The BPS Newsletter: Find Out What’s New in BPS

THE BPS NEWSLETTER «date»

OVER «xxxx» SURVEYS COMPLETED FOR BPS!

With over «xxxx» completed surveys, we still need your help to make the study a success! As a reminder, your survey takes «time» minutes [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and <<now >>you will <<still >>receive «inc_amount»»].

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES TODAY!

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

If you prefer to participate by phone, please call 800-247-6056.

TAKE A LOOK

Want more information?

Visit https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps to find a brief overview of BPS, what you can expect when participating, previous results, and confidentiality procedures.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

As Needed Reminder E-mail 18

SUBJECT: Limited Time Left to Participate in BPS

<<INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO>>

Hi, «fname»,

There is limited time remaining to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND NO BOOST: «and «now »/«still »receive $«inc_amount» »] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND BOOST: «and because hearing from current and former students like you is so important, you will receive an additional $<<boost_inc>> for a total of $«inc_amount» via «PayPal or »check»]. BPS helps researchers and policymakers determine how students and their families meet the cost of education beyond high school. The survey «ends on [end_date] and »//«soon and »takes about «time» minutes.

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

If you have questions or prefer to participate by telephone, call 800-247-6056.

We hope you will decide to participate and help us better understand the experiences of postsecondary students.

Thanks!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Initial Contact E-mail

SUBJECT: The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test

[INSERT NCES LETTERHEAD LOGO]

Dear «fname»:

Congratulations!

You have been selected to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences. [IF BPS:22 RESPONDENT: <<BPS:20/25 is the final follow-up to the BPS:20/22 survey which you may recall completing in 2021.>>] [IF ONLY NPSAS:20 RESPONDENT: <<BPS is a follow-up to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), which you may recall completing a few years ago.>>] Data collected from this [IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS :<<new>>] survey will help researchers and policymakers better understand the experiences of current and former students like you.

Before BPS data collection begins, we need to have the most up-to-date contact information for you« and would like to gather your contacting preferences with respect to phone calls, mailings, e-mails, and texts». Please take 3 minutes to update your contact information «and select your preferred modes of contact »by visiting our secure website and using the following login credentials:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/update-contact.aspx

Study ID: «caseID»

In the next <<time period>>, we will send you a large, white envelope containing information about how to participate. The password to log in to your survey will also be included. [INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: Once you complete the survey, we will send you $<<inc_amount>>, payable by <<PayPal or>> check.>>.]

NCES has contracted with RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization, to collect data for BPS on its behalf. Please visit https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ for a brief description of BPS, findings from data collections, and a summary of our confidentiality procedures. If you have additional questions or concerns about the study after reviewing this material, please call the RTI study director, Michael Bryan by phone at 800-844-8959 or by e-mail at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

We thank you in advance for your participation in this important study.

Sincerely,

David Richards, Ph.D. Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202

Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbryan@rti.org | 800-844-8959

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization. All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Incentive Change E-mail (Boost)— (Incentive Eligible)

SUBJECT: We Just Increased the Incentive for Your Participation in BPS

Hi, «fname»,

Since your participation in BPS is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $«boost_amount» for completing your BPS survey—that’s a total of $«inc_amount» payable by «PayPal or »check! Complete your «time»-minute survey today and receive your additional $«boost_amount».

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

If you have questions or prefer to participate by telephone, please call 800-247-6056.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Security Unlock E-mail

SUBJECT: The Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study – Please Log Back In

«fname»,

Recently, your responses to the security questions in the BPS survey confirmed your identity as the correct person for the study. We have unlocked your survey, so you may start again.

Please consider logging back in to complete the survey.

Log on to our secure website to participate:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you have questions regarding BPS or would like to complete the survey over the phone, please do not hesitate to call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thanks, in advance, for your participation!

Sincerely,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

800-844-8959

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Security 1302/1303 E-mail

SUBJECT: The Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study – Please Log Back In

«fname»,

Recently, your responses to the security questions in the BPS survey were not enough to confirm your identity as the correct person for the study. We need you to log back in to provide us with more information, such as e-mail address, phone numbers, date of birth, or school you attended during the 2018–19 academic year. The more information we have, the quicker we might confirm your identity and unlock the survey.

Please log on to our secure website to participate:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you have questions regarding BPS or would like to complete the survey over the phone, please do not hesitate to call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thanks, in advance, for your participation!

Sincerely,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

800-844-8959

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Re-Interview, Initial E-mail

SUBJECT: BPS Quality Control Survey

Dear «fname» «lname»:

You may recall recently completing the 2024/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:24/25) Field Test survey. Thank you for your participation! Hearing from you is extremely important to us.

At the end of your survey, you were randomly selected for and agreed to participate in a quality control survey. This second survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete <<and you will receive $5 for completing it>>.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – RE-INTERVIEW TYPE, PAGE C-119]

If you have any questions or need assistance, call us toll-free at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

<<If you have already completed this quality control survey, please disregard this message.>> Again, thank you for your time and willingness to participate.

Sincerely,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Re-Interview, Reminder E-mail 1

SUBJECT: We Need Your Feedback on BPS

«fname»,

You recently completed the 2024/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:24/25) Field Test survey. Thank you! Because of your participation, researchers and policymakers will better understand the experiences of students enrolled in postsecondary education during the 2018–19 academic year.

At the end of your survey, you were randomly selected for and agreed to participate in a quality control survey. This second survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and will help us understand how we did. We need your feedback <<and you will receive $5 for your participation>>!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – RE-INTERVIEW TYPE, PAGE C-119]

If you have any questions or need assistance, call us toll-free at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

If you have already completed this quality control survey, please disregard this message. Thank you for helping make BPS a success!

Sincerely,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Re-Interview, Reminder E-mail 2

SUBJECT: Last Chance! BPS Quality Control Survey

Hi «fname»,

Thank you for recently completing the 2024/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:24/25) Field Test survey. Hearing from students like you is extremely important to us.

At the end of your survey, you were randomly selected for and agreed to participate in a quality control survey. Again, this second survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete <<and you will receive $5 for completing it>>. Time to participate is limited!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – RE-INTERVIEW TYPE, PAGE C-119]

If you have any questions or need assistance, call us toll-free at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

If you have already completed this quality control survey, please disregard this message. Thank you for helping make BPS a success!

Sincerely,

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Contacting Reminder

SUBJECT: A Reminder to Participate in BPS, «fname»

«fname», we need you for the BPS Study to be a success!

[IF SENDING SOON AFTER DATA COLLECTION E-MAIL: «Recently, we sent you an invitation to take part in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test]. You have been selected to represent other current and former students like you. Your participation is critical to the success of the study, and we hope you will help inform policy by completing your BPS survey today.

Your survey will take about <<time>> minutes to complete. [INSERT ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT - E-MAIL MERGE FIELD, PAGE C-120]

It’s easy to complete today!

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our site at: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

You can also complete your survey over the phone by calling 800-247-6056.

What sort of reminders can I expect?

Because your participation is very important, and we understand there are many demands on your time, we will be sending you reminders to complete your survey. You may receive periodic reminders via:

• E-mail

• Text

• Phone Call

• Mail

If you have other questions, please contact the BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Partial Complete E-mail

NOTE: Sent to cases where survey has been started but not completed.

SUBJECT: Important Reminder: «fname», Finish Completing Your BPS Survey!

Hi «fname»,

I noticed that you started the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey and then stopped. That’s okay. You can return to your survey, via phone or the Web (even on your mobile device) and pick up right where you left off. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Don’t miss out on your $«inc_amount» incentive for completing your survey!»]

<<click here button>>

Or, you can visit the BPS website and log in: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

Got Questions? Prefer to participate over the phone? Call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or visit the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ to learn more about BPS, see findings from past data collections, and read about the study confidentiality procedures.

Thanks!

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

800-247-6056

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Paired Contact E-mail

NOTE: Sent in conjunction with CATI “contacted” event from previous day or week

SUBJECT: Recent BPS Survey Phone Call

ALTERNATE SUBJECT: <<fname>>, thank you for speaking with us about the BPS survey

Hi «fname»,

[IF SPOKEN WITH YESTERDAY: «Thank you for taking the time yesterday to speak with «DCI» about the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test.»]//[IF SPOKEN WITH RECENTLY: «Thank you for taking the time recently to speak to a member of our survey team about the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test. »] [IF COMPLETED BPS:22:<<You may recall completing the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2021.>>]IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS:<< BPS is a follow-up to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), which you may recall completing a few years ago.>>] I hope you will take <<time>> minutes to complete your survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and receive your $«inc_amount»»]. I don’t want you to miss out on this important education study!

Use your secure login credentials below to access your survey at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you would prefer to complete the survey over your phone, simply call 800-247-6056 and reference your Study ID «caseid».

Thank you in advance for your participation!

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

800-247-6056

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Interruption in Data Collection–Notice/Warning E-mail

SUBJECT: The BPS Survey is Temporarily on Hold

Dear «fname»,

Due to [REASON FOR DC INTERRUPTION], the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey is temporarily unavailable, so you will not be able to log in to the survey at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/until further notice. Once the situation has been resolved, we will notify you immediately so that you may participate in this important research. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you.

If you have any questions regarding the survey or this temporary situation, please do not hesitate to call us at 800-247-6056 or send an e-mail to <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thank you for your understanding.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Interruption in Data Collection–Resume E-mail

SUBJECT: You may now resume your BPS Survey

Dear «fname»,

Recently, we sent a notification indicating that the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey was temporarily unavailable due to [REASON FOR DC INTERRUPTION]. We are happy to inform you that the survey has re-opened and you may once again log in to complete your BPS survey!

<<click here button>>

Got questions? Prefer to participate over the phone? Call our Help Desk at 800-247-6056 or visit the study website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Use your secure login credentials below to access your survey at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Thank you for your understanding during this survey interruption.

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Hard Refusal E-mail

SUBJECT: Please Reconsider Participating in the BPS Study

Dear «fname»,

Recently, you declined to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test «because [refusalreason]». BPS is a survey designed to help inform educators, researchers, and policymakers about factors affecting enrollment and degree attainment in postsecondary education, including how students pay for college, and employment during and after college, regardless of whether you already graduated, are still enrolled, or are no longer enrolled in postsecondary education. We understand your hesitation, but we are hoping you will reconsider participating in this very important research conducted by the U.S. Department of Education.

We know your time is valuable—please consider some of the following reasons for participating:

• You have the unique opportunity to provide reliable data that otherwise would not be available for policymakers.

• Your information is vital in helping policymakers and researchers better understand national trends in enrollment patterns, education goals, financial aid, employment, and backgrounds of students.

• You were selected to represent other current and former students who are not being provided the opportunity to participate. No one can replace you.

You can complete the <<time>> minute survey at your leisure! If you start your survey and need to stop for any reason, you can come back at another time to finish. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «Now you will >>//«You will <<still >>receive $«inc_amount» by «PayPal or »check when you complete the survey».»]

<<click here button>>

Or log on to our secure website to participate: https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

For more information or to complete your survey by phone please call 800-247-6056 or respond to this e-mail. Thanks for your time.

Best,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

800-247-6056

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Canceled PayPal E-mail

SUBJECT: Don’t Forget to Claim Your BPS Incentive

Hi «fname»,

Thank you again for <<updating your contact information needed for the>>//<<completing your>> 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey! We sent you $«inc_amount»//<<5>> via PayPal to «emailaddress» as a token of our appreciation. However, your original payment was canceled by PayPal because it was not claimed within 30 days.

We will reissue the payment today. Please log into your PayPal account associated with «emailaddress» to claim your payment or look for an e-mail from PayPal, indicating that RTI International has sent you $«inc_amount». Please do not hesitate to contact the BPS Help Desk with any questions at 800-844-8959 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Best,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Missing Incentive Data E-mail

Subject: Your BPS Incentive

Dear «fname»,

Thank you for completing your 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey! We’re contacting you because we would like to send you $«inc_amount» as a token of our appreciation, but we do not have the necessary information from you to do so.

If you would like to receive your $«inc_amount», please reply to this e-mail message and indicate whether you prefer PayPal or check. If you prefer PayPal, please provide your PayPal e-mail address. If you prefer to receive a check, please provide a valid mailing address. (Allow 3-4 weeks for processing of check payments.)

Should you choose to decline your incentive, the funds will go back to the study.

Best,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959
<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

No Contact E-mail

Subject: The BPS survey team is hoping to hear from you, «fname»

Hi «fname»,

We’ve recently tried to get in touch with you about the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test. I hope you will take <<time>> minutes to complete the survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and receive your $«inc_amount»»»]]. [IF COMPLETED BPS:22:<<You may recall completing the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2021.>>]IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS:<<BPS is a follow-up to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), which you may recall completing a few years ago.>>]

Use your secure login credentials below to access your survey at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/:

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you would prefer to complete the survey over the phone, simply call 800-247-6056 and reference your Study ID «caseid».

You can find out more about the study and confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality.aspx.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Outstanding Check E-mail

Subject: Reminder to Cash Your BPS Check

Hi «fname»,

Thank you for completing your 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey. We are e-mailing to remind you to cash the $«inc_amount» check we sent you.

The check will expire 90 days after it was issued, so please cash your check soon.

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Expired Check E-mail

Subject: Your BPS Check

Dear «fname»,

Thank you again for completing your 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey! We sent you $«inc_amount» via check as a token of our appreciation. However, your original payment has been voided since it was not claimed within 90 days.

Please respond to this e-mail and provide a valid mailing address, so we can reissue your payment. (Allow 3-4 weeks for processing of check payments.)

Please do not hesitate to contact the BPS Help Desk with any questions at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Should you choose to decline your incentive, the funds will go back to the study.

Best,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Preferred to Complete Online E-mail

Subject: Participate in BPS Online

Alternate Subject: Complete the BPS Survey Online

Hi «fname»,

Recently, a member of our survey interviewing team spoke with you about the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test. During that brief phone conversation, you indicated that you would prefer to complete your survey online, and an e-mail with your survey login information was sent to you. I just wanted to touch base to make sure you received the e-mail, and to encourage you to complete your survey soon to receive your $«inc_amount».

As a reminder, here is the information you need to complete your survey on our secure website:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseID»

Password: «password»

If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> and reference your Study ID: «caseID».

You can find out more about the study and confidentiality procedures at the above website, and at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality.aspx.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Data Collection Extension E-mail

SUBJECT: The BPS Study Still Needs you, «fname»

«fname», we’ve extended the deadline for the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test to give you and other current and former students a chance to participate in this important study.

We realize your time is valuable, but remember, your survey takes about <<time>> minutes and does not have to be completed all at once. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «We will send you $«inc_amount» for completing it.»]

You have the unique opportunity to provide reliable data that otherwise would not be available for policymakers. Click the icon below to share your experiences and let your voice be heard!

<<click here button>>

Or, log on to our secure website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

If you prefer to complete your survey with a trained interviewer, please call 800-247-6056.

We hope you will decide to participate–BPS won’t be the same without you.

Thanks!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Data Collection Staff Prompt E-mail

SUBJECT: Your <<time>>-minute BPS Survey

Hi «fname»,

I work on the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test and noticed that you have not yet completed your survey. Your participation in the survey is crucial to the success of the study as your experiences are unique! [IF COMPLETED BPS:22:<<You may recall completing the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2021.>>]IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS:<<BPS is a follow-up to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), which you may recall completing a few years ago.>>] The BPS survey takes «just » <<time>> minutes to complete [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: «and you will receive $«inc_amount» for responding»]. Here’s the information you need to complete your survey on your computer or mobile device:

https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/

Study ID: «caseid»

Password: «password»

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Missing PayPal E-mail

Subject: Your BPS PayPal Payment

Hi «fname»,

Thank you for <<participating in>>//<<updating your contact information needed for>> the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey.

It looks like you forgot to give us your e-mail address for sending your $«inc_amount»//<<5>> PayPal payment.

Please reply to this e-mail and provide the e-mail address associated with your PayPal account so we may process your payment.

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959
<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Needs Incentive Selection E-mail (Didn’t Select Incentive)

Subject: Your BPS Survey

Hi «fname»,

We appreciate your participation in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey.

Our records indicate that you completed the survey but did not tell us how you would like to receive the monetary token of appreciation for your participation. We want to make sure you are compensated for your time and effort.

To select your payment method and receive your «$inc_amount» payment, go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ and log in:

Study ID: caseid
Password: password

Please note you will be asked a couple of questions to verify your identity prior to reaching the payment selection page.

Thank you,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959
<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Failed PayPal Payment E-mail

Subject: Your BPS PayPal Payment

Hi «fname»,

Thank you again for <<completing your>>//<<updating your contact information for the>> 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey! We recently sent you $«inc_amount»//<<5>> via PayPal to «emailaddress» as a token of our appreciation. However, your original payment failed. The failed payment could indicate that your account is either locked or inactive.

We would like to reissue your payment. Please respond to this e-mail and let us know if you would like the payment to be sent to a different e-mail address or if you would like us to retry sending it to «emailaddress».

If you prefer to receive your payment via check, please respond to this e-mail with your current mailing address and the name you want on the check. Please do not hesitate to contact the BPS Help Desk with any questions at 800-844-8959 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thank you,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959
<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Returned PayPal E-mail

Subject: Your BPS PayPal Payment was Returned

Hi «fname»,

Thank you again for <<completing your>>//<<updating your contact information for the>> 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey! We recently sent you $«inc_amount»//<<5>> via PayPal to «emailaddress» as a token of our appreciation. However, your original payment was canceled by PayPal because it was not claimed within 30 days.

We would like to reissue your payment. Please respond to this e-mail and let us know if you would like the payment to be sent to a different e-mail address or if you would like us to retry sending it to «emailaddress».

If you prefer to receive your payment via check, please respond to this e-mail with your current mailing address and the name you want on the check. Please do not hesitate to contact the BPS Help Desk with any questions at 800-844-8959 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Thank you,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959
<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Unclaimed PayPal E-mail

Subject: Claim Your BPS PayPal Payment

Hi «fname»,

Thank you for <<completing your>>//<<updating your contact information for the>> 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey. We are e-mailing to remind you that your $«inc_amount»//<<5>> PayPal payment is ready for you. We sent this payment to the e-mail address you provided, «emailaddress».

The payment will expire after 30 days, so please accept the payment soon.

Please let us know if you have any problems claiming the payment.

Thank you,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959
<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Bad Address E-mail for Check Incentives

Subject: Your BPS Check Payment

Hi «fname»,

Thank you for <<completing your>>//<<updating your contact information needed for the>> 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey! We have attempted to send you a $«inc_amount»//<<5>> check as a token of our appreciation but, unfortunately, we do not have a complete address for mailing.

Please respond to this e-mail or call 800-844-8959 and provide the name you would like on the check and your mailing address.

Thank you,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959

<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

Undeliverable Check E-mail

Subject: Your BPS Check Payment

Hi «fname»,

Thank you for <<completing your>>//<<updating your contact information needed for the>> 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey! We have attempted to send you a $«inc_amount»//<<5>> check as a token of our appreciation but, unfortunately, it was returned as undeliverable. <<The original check was sent to:

«Name on check»

«Address on check»>>

Please respond to this e-mail or call 800-844-8959 and provide your name and correct mailing address, and we will re-mail the check to you.

Thank you,

[BPS TEAM MEMBER FIRST NAME]

BPS Survey Team Member

800-844-8959
<<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>

«caseid»

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

BPS:20/25 FS Panel Maintenance E-mail

SUBJECT: Update Your Contact Information for BPS

Dear «fname» «lname»:

I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS:20/25) study, an important study that follows up with current and former students who first enrolled in postsecondary education during the 2019-20 academic year. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Science has contracted with RTI International to collect data for BPS on its behalf. BPS will provide policymakers, educators, and researchers with a better understanding of factors affecting enrollment and degree attainment in postsecondary education, including how students pay for college, and employment during and after college.

Please take about 3 minutes to update your contact information «and select your preferred modes of contact »so we can contact you when data collection begins.

You can update your information on our secure website: <<contact info url>> - with your unique Study ID.

Study ID: «caseid»

If you have any questions, encounter any difficulty on the website, or would prefer to update this information over the telephone, please call us at <<PD/RTIHelpDesk#>>.

Thank you in advance for helping making BPS a success!

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – SOURCE AND SIGNATORY, PAGE C-115]

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

«emailID»

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0631. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average approximately 3 minutes per survey response, including the time to review instructions, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please write directly to: The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12^th St., SW, Room 4037, Washington, DC 20202. OMB Clearance No: 1850-0631 Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

BPS:20/25 FS Panel Maintenance Website Updates

Relevant updates to the BPS:20/25 FT website for BPS:20/25 FS panel maintenance in summer/fall 2024:

• Update “2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test” to “2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25)”.

• Update “BPS:20/25 field test” to “BPS:20/25”.

• Update “2,600 students” to “29,000 students”.

Postcards

Reminder Postcard 1

Outside

Congratulations! You have been selected for an important U.S. Department of Education study.

Inside

We recently sent you a letter asking you to complete your 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey. If you already completed your survey, thank you very much!

You can help shape U.S. higher education policy and help generations of students!

If you have not yet completed your survey, please follow these instructions to complete your <<time>>-minute survey:

Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Study ID: <<caseid>> Password: <<password>>

OR

Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND SENDING AFTER ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXERIMENT: <<Once you’ve completed your survey, <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>> to thank you for your time».>>]//[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND SENDING DURING ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT: [INSERT ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT - POSTCARD MERGE FIELD, PAGE C-126]]If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Please complete your survey as soon as possible!

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

Reminder Postcard 2

Outside

Did you know? [INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS POSTCARD, PAGE C-121]

Inside

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS POSTCARD, PAGE C-121]

Let us know by completing your BPS survey. Your responses will be combined with data from other BPS participants to help policymakers and researchers better understand the experiences of current and former students beginning their postsecondary education.

Complete the <<time>>-minute survey today by logging on to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ with your Study ID and password, or scan the QR code:

Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Study ID: <<caseid>> Password: <<password>>

OR

Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Once you complete your survey, <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>> to thank you for your time.>>]If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

[INSERT SOURCE CITATION FOR FACT SELECTED ON INTERESTING FACTS TABLE, PAGE C-121]

Reminder Postcard 3

Outside

<<fname>>, help inform policymakers by sharing your education experiences with the U.S. Department of Education.

Inside

Data from previous Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Studies (BPS) help policymakers, researchers, and educators better understand the experiences of current and former students who first started their postsecondary education. Your responses to this year’s BPS survey, combined with those of other current and former students across the country, will inform education policy aimed at improving education and employment experiences of all students!

Make a difference for future students by sharing your experiences!

Log on to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/with your Study ID and password, or scan the QR code to complete your <<time>>-survey:

Study ID: <<caseid>> Password: <<password>>

OR

<<QRCODE>>

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Once you complete your survey, <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>>» to thank you for your time.>>]If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

As Needed Postcards

As Needed Postcard 1 (Incentive Eligible)

Outside

Three easy steps to [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<receive $<<inc_amount>>.>>]//[IF NOT INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<complete your U.S. Department of Education study>>.]

Inside

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<We will send you $<<inc_amount>>» for completing your <<time>>-minute 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey!>>] It only takes a few easy steps<< to complete the <<time-minute 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey!>>:

Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Enter your Study ID: <<caseid>> Enter your Password: <<password>> Complete your survey

OR

Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>> Complete your survey

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<We will then send you $<<inc_amount>>!>>]

Share your experiences and make a difference for future generations of students!

If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

As Needed Postcard 2

Outside

This is your chance to help an important national education study!

Inside

<<fname>>, when you participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test you will be representing yourself and thousands of other current and former students around the country who first enrolled in postsecondary education during the 2018–19 academic year. Let’s make this study a success!

Help inform policymakers by sharing your education experiences!

To complete the <<time>>-minute survey, go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ and log in using your unique Study ID and password, or scan the QR code:

Study ID: <<caseid>> Password: <<password>>

OR

Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Once you complete your survey, <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>>» to thank you for your time.>>]If you have any questions or would prefer to complete your survey over the phone, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

As Needed Postcard 3

Outside

<<fname>>, you can help contribute to important education research.

Inside

Data collection for the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test continues. If you already completed your survey, thank you very much!

If you have not yet completed the survey, you can complete the survey in one of two ways:

1. Online:

   Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Enter your Study ID: <<caseid>> Enter your Password: <<password>>

   OR

   Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

2. Phone: Call 800-247-6056 to complete the survey over the phone.

Complete your survey as soon as possible!

The survey will take about <<time>> minutes. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Once you’ve completed your survey, <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>> to thank you for your time».>>] If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

As Needed Postcard 4

Outside

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS POSTCARD, PAGE C-121] What about now?

Inside

We need your participation to find out what <current and former> students are experiencing in their postsecondary education. Please complete your <<time>>-minute 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< and <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>> to thank you for your time»>>].

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INTERESTING FACTS POSTCARD, PAGE C-121]

You can complete your survey in one of two ways:

1. Online:

   Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Enter your Study ID: <<caseid>> Enter your Password: <<password>>

   OR

   Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

2. Phone: Call 800-247-6056 to complete your survey over the phone.

If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

[INSERT SOURCE CITATION FOR FACT SELECTED ON INTERESTING FACTS TABLE, PAGE C-121]

As Needed Postcard 5

Outside

<<We need <<X>> more participants to reach our goal.>>// <<<<xx>> current and formers students have already completed the BPS survey.>> Will you be one of them?

Inside

You are an important part of our study! Because we cannot survey everyone, you represent thousands of other current and former students from across the country.

Please complete your 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< and <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>> to thank you for your time»>>]. You can complete your <<time>>-minute survey in one of two ways:

1. Online:

   Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Enter your Study ID: <<caseid>> Enter your Password: <<password>>

   OR

   Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

2. Phone: Call 800-247-6056 to complete your survey over the phone.

If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

As Needed Postcard 6

Outside

Data collection ends soon. Complete your survey today.

Inside

Only a few more weeks to complete your 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey. You can complete your <<time>>-minute survey in one of two ways:

1. 

   Thank you for making BPS a success!

   Online:

   Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Enter your Study ID: <<caseid>> Enter your Password: <<password>>

   OR

   Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

2. Phone: Call 800-247-6056 to complete your survey over the phone.

[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Once you’ve completed your survey, <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>>» to thank you for your time.>>] If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

Complete your survey as soon as possible!

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

As Needed Postcard 7

Outside

You can help shape higher education policy!

Inside

Data from the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test helps policymakers better understand the experiences of students beginning postsecondary education.

By completing your survey, you can inform education policy!

To complete your survey, go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ and log in using your unique Study ID and password, or scan the QR code:

Study ID: <<caseid>> Password: <<password>>

OR

Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

The survey takes <<time>> minutes. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Once you complete your survey, <<now >>we will <<still >>send you $<<inc_amount>>» to thank you for your time. >>]If you have any questions or would prefer to complete the survey over the phone, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

As Needed Postcard 8 (Incentive Eligible)

Outside

Receive $<<inc_amount>> by completing a survey on your education experiences.

Inside

<<fname>>, complete your 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) Field Test survey and we <<now >>will send you $<<inc_amount>>». The survey takes <<time>> minutes.

Once you complete your survey, we will send you $<<inc_amount>>!

Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Enter your Study ID: <<caseid>> Enter your Password: <<password>>

OR

Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

Incentive Changes Announcement Postcard

Outside

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INCENTIVE TEXT OUTSIDE, PAGE C-126]

Inside

[INSERT MERGE FIELD FROM TABLE – INCENTIVE GROUP, PAGE C-126]

Complete online:

Go to https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ Enter your Study ID: <<caseid>> Enter your Password: <<password>>

OR

Scan this QR code <<QRCODE>>

Complete by phone: Call 800-247-6056 to complete your survey over the phone

If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

BPS:20/25 FS Panel Maintenance Postcard

Reminder to update your contact information for BPS!

Inside

Congratulations! We are reaching out to let you know that you have been selected to participate in the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS:20/25) study, an important U.S. Department of Education study that follows up with current and former students who first enrolled in postsecondary education during the 2019-20 school year.

[IF COMPLETED BPS:22:<<You may recall completing the 2020/22 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/22) in 2022.>>]IF ONLY COMPLETED NPSAS:<<BPS is a follow-up to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), which you may recall completing a few years ago.>>]

Data collection will begin <<datefill>>. To ensure we can get in touch with you at that time, we are asking you to update your contact information. Please provide this information by:

1. Going online to: <<update contact info url>>

Log on using your Study ID: <<CaseID>>

OR

2. Scan this QR Code <<QR Code>>

If you have any questions, please call 800-247-6056 or e-mail us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>.

OMB Control Number: 1850-0631

Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/confidentiality

NCES is authorized to conduct the 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25) by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §9543), and to collect students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of evaluating federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3)(iii) and 99.35). The data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a U.S.-based nonprofit research organization.

All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0631. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average approximately 3 minutes per survey response, including the time to review instructions, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please write directly to: The 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:20/25), National Center for Education Statistics, Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th St., SW, Room 4037, Washington, DC 20202. OMB Clearance No: 1850-0631 Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

Text Message Reminders

Data Collection Announcement Text

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, you have been selected for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study. [IF CONTACT INFO EXPERIMENT: Click here [bitly link] to update your contact information and receive $5, then complete the survey and you will also receive $<<inc_amount>>.][IF NOT CONTACT INFO EXPERIMENT AND INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<You’ll receive $<<inc_amount>> for participating.>>] Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 1

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<Fname>>, click here [bitly link] to participate in your <<time>>-minute BPS survey and[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE]: <<now>>//<<still>> receive $[inc_amount] to] help inform policy on beginning postsecondary students, regardless of whether you are still in school or not!]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 1 – ALTERNATE VERSION FOR ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT

US DEPT OF EDUC: [IF NOT UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION YET: <<fname>>, as a reminder, click here [bitly link] to update your contact information for the BPS survey and receive $5! You can then continue with the survey to help inform policy on beginning postsecondary students, regardless of whether you are still in school or not, and you will also receive $<<inc_amount>>!] [IF UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION: <<fname>>, thank you for updating your contact information on the BPS survey! Please continue with your survey to help inform policy on current and former beginning postsecondary students and receive an extra $<<inc_amount>>.] Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 2

US DEPT OF EDUC:<<Hi>> «fname», complete your <<time>>-minute BPS survey and represent other current and former students like yourself. Go to [bitly link] to take the survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now >>//<<still >>receive $<<inc_amount>> as a token of our appreciation>>]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 2 - ALTERNATE VERSION FOR ADDRESS CONFIRMATION EXPERIMENT

US DEPT OF EDUC: [IF NOT UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION: <<«fname», please update your contact information for your BPS survey and receive $5 by clicking here: [bitly link]. You can then continue with the rest of the survey and represent other current and former students like yourself and you will also receive $<<inc_amount>>.][IF UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION: <<fname>>, thank you for updating your contact information on the BPS survey! Please continue with the rest of the survey to represent other <<current and former>> students like yourself for an additional $<<inc_amount>>. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 3

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<Fname>>, just a friendly reminder to complete your <<time>>-minute BPS survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<for $<<inc_amount>>]! Complete it today by clicking here: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 4

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<Fname>>, you can complete your <<time>>-minute BPS survey on your mobile device [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now>>//<<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>»>>]! Go to [bitly link] or call 800-247-6056. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 5

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, help policymakers better understand the experiences of current and former students beginning their postsecondary education [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< and <<now>>//<<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>»>>]. Click here: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 6

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, take part in important research when you participate in the BPS study! Complete your <<time>>-minute survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now>>//<<still>> receive your $<<inc_amount>>»>>] by clicking here: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 7

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<Fname>>, don’t forget to go to [bitly link] or call 800-247-6056 to complete your <<time>>-minute BPS survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now>>//<<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>»>>]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 8

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname» - your <<time>>-minute BPS survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and $<<inc_amount >>] won’t be available for much longer. Go to [bitly link] to begin now. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder 9 (Day Before Final Day)

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», tomorrow is the last day to participate in the BPS study! [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< You will receive $<<inc_amount>>»!>>] Take your survey by clicking here: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message, Reminder 10 (Last Day)

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», today is the LAST DAY to complete your <<time>>-minute BPS survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and still receive $<<inc_amount>>»>>]! Click here to begin: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Texts

As Needed Text Message Reminder 1

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, please join other current and former students who have participated in BPS by taking your survey here: [bitly link]. [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<Now you’ll>>//<<You’ll <<still >>>>receive $<<inc_amount>> for completing the survey.] Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 2

US DEPT OF EDUC: Share your experiences with the U.S. Department of Education, <<fname>>. Please take <<time>> minutes to complete your BPS survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now>>//<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>»>>]: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 3

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, we still need <<xx>> participants to make BPS a success. Please take the survey today [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now>>//<<still>> receive your $<<inc_amount>>»>>] by clicking here: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages. Responde “Español” para solicitar este mensaje en español.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 4

US DEPT OF EDUC: Do you have <<time>> minutes, <<fname>>? Please consider taking your BPS survey today on your mobile device [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<to receive your $<<inc_amount>>, payable via PayPal or check»>>]: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 5

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», we’ve been contacting you and other current and former students about participating in BPS! Please consider taking your <<time>>-minute survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<for $<<inc_amount>>.] Click here to begin: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 6

US DEPT OF EDUC: BPS won’t be a success without you, «fname»! We still need your help [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<- and <<now>> you’ll <<still >>receive $<<inc_amount>>» for <<time>> minutes of your time>>]. Click here to begin: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 7

US DEPT OF EDUC: Your experiences are unique, and no one can replace you in the BPS survey, «fname». Complete your <<time>>-minute survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< for $<<inc_amount>>»>>]. Click here to begin: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 8

US DEPT OF EDUC: Your Dept. of Education BPS survey is still available, «fname». [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: <<When you participate <<now>> you will <<still >>receive $<<inc_amount>>»>>]. Click this link to take the survey: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 9

US DEPT OF EDUC: Your <<time>>-minute BPS survey is easy to complete, <<fname>>![ IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE: << Once you complete your survey <<now >>you will <<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>.>>]Click here to get started: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 10

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, we still need to hear from current and former students like you, regardless of whether you have graduated, are still in school, or discontinued your postsecondary education! Take your BPS survey today [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< and <<now>>//<<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>»]: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 11

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», complete your BPS survey to represent other current and former students at your school. Go to [bitly link] to take the survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now>><<still>>receive $<<inc_amount>> as a token of our appreciation>>>>]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 12

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<Fname>>, your participation in BPS helps inform policy on postsecondary education issues such as student loans. Click here [bitly link] to begin your <<time>>-minute survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and <<now>><<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>>>]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 13

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<Fname>>, go to [bitly link] or call 800-247-6056 to complete your <<time>>-minute BPS survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND NO BOOST:<<and <<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>>>] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND BOOST: <<and - because your participation is so important - <<now >>receive $<<inc_amount>>]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

As Needed Text Message Reminder 14

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, we need your help now so BPS will be a success! [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND NO BOOST:<< You’ll <<still >>receive $<<inc_amount>> for <<just >><<time> minutes of your time>>.] // [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND BOOST: <<<<Now you’ll receive $<<inc_amount>> for <<time>> minutes of your time.>>] Click here to help us TODAY: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Text Message Reminder (Instead of calls)

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», since you haven’t yet completed the BPS survey, we are sending you a text message reminder before we try to call you. Complete it today [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< and <<now>>//<<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>]: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Re-Interview, Initial Text

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», thank you for completing the BPS field test survey. At the end of your survey, you agreed to participate in a quality control survey. This second survey takes less than 10 minutes <<and you will receive $5>>. [IF WEB COMPLETE:<<Click here to begin: [bitly link].]//[IF CATI COMPLETE:<<Call 800-247-6056 and provide our interviewer with your study ID: <<caseid>> to begin.] Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Re-Interview, Reminder Text 1

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», don’t forget to complete your BPS field test quality control survey, it takes less than 10 minutes <<and you will receive $5>>. [IF WEB COMPLETE:<<Click here to begin: [bitly link].]//[IF CATI COMPLETE:<<Call 800-247-6056 and provide our interviewer with your study ID: <<caseid>> to begin.] Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Re-Interview, Reminder Text 2

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», we need your feedback on the BPS field test. Complete your 10-minute quality control survey today <<to receive $5>>. [IF WEB COMPLETE:<<Click here to begin: [bitly link].]//[IF CATI COMPLETE:<< Call 800-247-6056 and provide our interviewer with your study ID: <<caseid>> to begin.] Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Data Collection Extension Text Reminder

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», the deadline to complete your <<time>>-minute BPS survey has been extended until <<end_mm_dd>> because your participation is so important! Click here to begin: [bitly link][IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< and <<now>>//<<still>> receive $<<inc_amount>>>>]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Interruption in Data Collection – Notice

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, the BPS survey is temporarily unavailable <<for <<REASON FOR INTERRUPTION>>>>and you will not be able to complete the survey until further notice. We will notify you once the website is back online. We apologize for any inconvenience. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Interruption in Data Collection – Resume

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, we are happy to inform you that the BPS survey has been re-opened and you can once again log in to complete your BPS survey. Click here to start: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Hard Refusal (Not a stop text refusal)

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, you recently declined to participate in the BPS study. We hope you will reconsider participating in this important research. If you still have concerns, please contact us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> or 800-247-6056. Click here to participate: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

No Good Address for Payment (For those who completed using text password)

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, we attempted to send you a check for your participation in BPS, but we do not have a valid mailing address. Please contact us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> to update your mailing address. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Canceled Paypal Text (For those who completed using text password and selected Paypal for incentive)

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, we attempted to send you $<<inc_amount>> via PayPal for completing your BPS survey, but the payment has expired. We will reissue your payment to the e-mail address you provided or contact us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> to update the e-mail address for your payment. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Missing Incentive Data Text (For those who completed using text password)

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, we would like to send you $<<inc_amount>> for completing your BPS survey, but we do not have the necessary information to do so. Please contact us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> to update this information. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Opted into Receiving Texts During Data Collection via CATI or E-Mail

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, you indicated you would like text reminders regarding the BPS survey. You can complete your <<time>>-min survey [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<and receive your $<<inc_amount>> incentive>>] here: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Boost Text Reminder

US DEPT OF EDUC: «fname», because your participation in BPS is very important, you have been selected to receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey for a total of $<<inc_amount>> via <<PayPal or>> check. Click here to begin: [bitly link]. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Auto-Reply

US DEPT OF EDUC: This is an automated reply. Please contact us at <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> or 800-247-6056 if you have any questions or would like additional information.

BPS:20/25 FS Panel Maintenance Initial Contact Text

US DEPT OF EDUC: <<fname>>, you have been selected for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020/25 Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS:20/25) study! Data collection begins <<soon>>/ <<in MM>>. Please go to [bitly link] to update your contact information. Reply STOP to opt out of future text messages.

Interesting Facts—Trend Data

13.2% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 were at least 24 years old.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

56.5% of first-time beginning postsecondary students in 2011–12 were women.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

22.0% of first-time beginning postsecondary students used credit cards to pay for their tuition and fees in 2011–12.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

First-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 had held an average of 3.1 jobs by June 2017.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 50.5% attended more than one college or university within 6 years.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution, 21.4% had studied abroad by June 2017.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

34.7% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 transferred between institutions at least once by June 2017.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $20,300.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 2-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $12,900.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a less-than-2-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $9,300.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

43.9% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 did not earn a degree or certificate within 6 years.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students who were first-time beginning college students in 2011–12, 29.6% said the highest level of education they ever expected to complete was a master’s degree or higher (as of 2017).

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

56.4% of first-time college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 said that being able to balance work and family was a more important consideration than salary when choosing a job in 2017.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning college students who took out federal loans, the average monthly repayment amount in 2017 was $175 per month.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning college students whose most recent degree program was entirely online, 46.6% had dependent children as of 2017.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 8.5% percent had completed a certificate, 10.9% percent had completed an associate’s degree, and 36.8% percent had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years.*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.

Among first-time beginning college students who started in a bachelor’s degree program in 2011–12, the share who earned a bachelor’s degree by June 2017 was 66.1%.*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.

Among first-time beginning college students who started in an associate’s degree program in 2011–12, 21.3% had an associate’s degree as their highest degree earned within 6 years and an additional 12.4% had earned a bachelor’s degree.

*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a public 2-year institution, 8.4% had completed a certificate, 18.1% had completed an associate’s degree, and 12.7% had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years.

*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.

Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a 4-year institution, 59.1% had completed a bachelor’s degree, 6.0% had completed an associate’s degree, and 2.3% had completed a certificate at any institution within 6 years.

*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.

7.9% of Black undergraduate students in 2019–20 were enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

11.4% of undergraduate students attended multiple institutions in the 2019–20 academic year.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Among undergraduates who attended college in North Carolina in 2019–20, 85.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Among undergraduates who attended college in Georgia in 2019–20, 81.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Among undergraduates who attended college in Pennsylvania in 2019–20, 92.9% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

71.5% of all undergraduate students in 2019–20 received some type of financial aid.

*Source: Cameron, M., Johnson, R., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Siegel, P., Holley, J., and Wine, J. (2023). 2019–20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20): First Look at Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2019–20 (NCES 2023-466). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2023466.

Among undergraduates who received any aid in 2019–20, the average amount received from student loans was $7,900.

*Source: Cameron, M., Johnson, R., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Siegel, P., Holley, J., and Wine, J. (2023). 2019–20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20): First Look at Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2019–20 (NCES 2023-466). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2023466.

40.2% of undergraduates received federal Pell Grants in 2019–20.

*Source: Cameron, M., Johnson, R., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Siegel, P., Holley, J., and Wine, J. (2023). 2019–20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20): First Look at Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2019–20 (NCES 2023-466). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2023466.

In 2019–20, 34.3% percent of undergraduates took out federal loans.

*Source: Cameron, M., Johnson, R., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Siegel, P., Holley, J., and Wine, J. (2023). 2019–20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20): First Look at Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2019–20 (NCES 2023-466). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2023466.

63.9% of undergraduates in 2019–20 received grants, scholarships, or tuition waivers to help pay for their education.

*Source: Cameron, M., Johnson, R., Lacy, T.A., Wu, J., Siegel, P., Holley, J., and Wine, J. (2023). 2019–20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20): First Look at Student Financial Aid Estimates for 2019–20 (NCES 2023-466). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2023466.

7.9% of Black undergraduate students in 2019–20 were enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

11.4% of undergraduate students attended multiple institutions in the 2019–20 academic year.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

In 2019–20, 79.8% of undergraduate students attended a college or university in the same state as their legal residence.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Undergraduate students reported spending an average of about $880 on required course materials, such as textbooks and supplies, in 2019–20.

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Letter Merge Fields

Interesting Facts

Fact 1	For example, 56.5% of first-time beginning postsecondary students in 2011–12 were women. Help us understand if this still holds true in 2024!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 2	For example, 22.0% of first-time beginning postsecondary students used credit cards to pay for their tuition and fees in 2011–12. Has this changed for 2024? Help us find out! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 3	For example, first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 had held an average of 3.1 jobs by June 2017. Will you help us determine if this remains true? *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 4	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 50.5% attended more than one college or university within 6 years. Is this still true? Help us find out! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 5	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution, 21.4% had studied abroad by June 2017. Is this still true? Help us find out!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 6	For example, 34.7% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 transferred between institutions at least once by June 2017. Is this still true? Help us find out! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 7	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $20,300. What does this amount look like in 2024? Contribute to our research! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 8	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 2-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $12,900. What does this amount look like in 2024? Contribute to our research! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 9	For example, 43.9% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 did not earn a degree or certificate within 6 years. What do those figures look like in 2024? Contribute to our research! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 10	For example, among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students who were first-time beginning college students in 2011–12, 29.6% said the highest level of education they ever expected to complete was a master’s degree or higher (as of 2017). Help us understand if this is still true in 2024. Contribute to our research!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 11	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning college students who took out federal loans, the average monthly repayment amount in 2017 was $175 per month. Help us understand if this is still true in 2024!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 12	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 8.5% percent had completed a certificate, 10.9% percent had completed an associate’s degree, and 36.8% percent had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years. Help us understand if this trend has continued!
	*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 13	For example, among first-time beginning college students who started in a bachelor’s degree program in 2011–12, the share who earned a bachelor’s degree by June 2017 was 66.1%. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 14	For example, among first-time beginning college students who started in an associate’s degree program in 2011–12, 21.3% had an associate’s degree as their highest degree earned within 6 years and an additional 12.4% had earned a bachelor’s degree. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 15	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a public 2-year institution, 8.4% had completed a certificate, 18.1% had completed an associate’s degree, and 12.7% had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 16	For example, among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a 4-year institution, 59.1% had completed a bachelor’s degree, 6.0% had completed an associate’s degree, and 2.3% had completed a certificate at any institution within 6 years. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 17	For example, 7.9% of Black undergraduate students in 2019–20 were enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Has this figured changed for 2024? Please contribute to our research!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).
Fact 18	For example, among undergraduates who attended college in North Carolina in 2019–20, 85.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help us understand if this impacted students like you! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).
Fact 19	For example, among undergraduates who attended college in Georgia in 2019–20, 81.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help us understand if this impacted students like you! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).
Fact 20	For example, among undergraduates who attended college in Pennsylvania in 2019–20, 92.9% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help us understand if this impacted students like you!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Address Confirmation Experiment - Letter

Experimental Group: Have not updated contact information yet	As a reminder, we will send you $5 just for taking a few minutes to update your contact information at the beginning of the survey! Once you update your contact information, you will have the opportunity to continue with the survey and[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< receive an additional $<<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal>> or check.>>]// [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>
Experimental Group: Have updated contact information	Thank you for updating your contact information! Please take the time to continue with your survey and[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< receive an additional $<<inc_amount>> upon completion, payable via <<PayPal>> or check.>>]//[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>]
Control Group	[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<When you complete your survey, you will receive $«inc_amount» as a token of our appreciation, payable by «PayPal or »check>>]//[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>]

Re-interview Type

Interview type - Web	To complete the quality control survey, please log in to our secure website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ using the Study ID and password provided below: Study ID: «caseid» Password: «password»
Interview type - CATI	Please call BPS Help Desk at <<ROCHelpDesk#>>, provide our interviewer with the Study ID number listed below, and inform them that you are calling in reference to the quality control survey. Study ID: «caseid»

E-mail Merge Fields

Source and Signatory

Source	Signatory
From NCES	David Richards Study Director, BPS National Center for Education Statistics Institute of Education Sciences U.S. Department of Education David.Richards@ed.gov | 202-245-6202
From RTI – Project Director	Michael Bryan Project Director, BPS RTI International mbyran@rti.org | 800-844-8959
From RTI – Task Leader	Jeff Franklin BPS Data Collection Task Leader RTI International jwf@rti.org | <<PD/RTIHelpDesk#>>
From RTI – BPS Data Collection Team	BPS Data Collection Team <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>> | <<PD/RTIHelpDesk#>>
From Ed.gov – BPS Data Collection Team	BPS Data Collection Team <<bps@ed.gov>>//<<bps@rti.org>>| <<PD/RTIHelpDesk#>>

Interesting Facts

Fact 1	56.5% of first-time beginning postsecondary students in 2011–12 were women. Help us understand if this still holds true in 2024!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 2	22.0% of first-time beginning postsecondary students used credit cards to pay for their tuition and fees in 2011–12. Has this changed for 2024? Help us find out! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 3	First-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 had held an average of 3.1 jobs by June 2017. Will you help us determine if this remains true? *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 4	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 50.5% attended more than one college or university within 6 years. Is this still true? Help us find out! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 5	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution, 21.4% had studied abroad by June 2017. Is this still true? Help us find out!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 6	34.7% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 transferred between institutions at least once by June 2017. Is this still true? Help us find out! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 7	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $20,300. What does this amount look like in 2024? Contribute to our research! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 8	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 2-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $12,900. What does this amount look like in 2024? Contribute to our research! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 9	43.9% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 did not earn a degree or certificate within 6 years. What do those figures look like in 2024? Contribute to our research! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 10	Among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students who were first-time beginning college students in 2011–12, 29.6% said the highest level of education they ever expected to complete was a master’s degree or higher (as of 2017). Help us understand if this is still true in 2024. Contribute to our research!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 11	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning college students who took out federal loans, the average monthly repayment amount in 2017 was $175 per month. Help us understand if this is still true in 2024!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 12	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 8.5% percent had completed a certificate, 10.9% percent had completed an associate’s degree, and 36.8% percent had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years. Help us understand if this trend has continued!
	*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 13	Among first-time beginning college students who started in a bachelor’s degree program in 2011–12, the share who earned a bachelor’s degree by June 2017 was 66.1%. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 14	Among first-time beginning college students who started in an associate’s degree program in 2011–12, 21.3% had an associate’s degree as their highest degree earned within 6 years and an additional 12.4% had earned a bachelor’s degree. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 15	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a public 2-year institution, 8.4% had completed a certificate, 18.1% had completed an associate’s degree, and 12.7% had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 16	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a 4-year institution, 59.1% had completed a bachelor’s degree, 6.0% had completed an associate’s degree, and 2.3% had completed a certificate at any institution within 6 years. Help us understand if this trend has continued! *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 17	7.9% of Black undergraduate students in 2019–20 were enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Has this figured changed for 2024? Please contribute to our research!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).
Fact 18	Among undergraduates who attended college in North Carolina in 2019–20, 85.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help us understand if this impacted students like you! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).
Fact 19	Among undergraduates who attended college in Georgia in 2019–20, 81.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help us understand if this impacted students like you! *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).
Fact 20	Among undergraduates who attended college in Pennsylvania in 2019–20, 92.9% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help us understand if this impacted students like you!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Incentive Selection

PayPal	Our records indicate that you chose to receive your token of appreciation via PayPal. Please note it can take up to a full business day to process your payment. Please look for an e-mail from PayPal indicating that you have received funds from RTI International. (You may need to check your SPAM folder as well.) Please contact us with any concerns.
PayPal Failed	Our records indicate that your PayPal payment failed. We would like to reissue your payment. Please respond to this e-mail and let us know if you would like the payment to be sent to a different e-mail address or if you would like us to retry sending it to «emailaddress». The failed payment could indicate that your account is either locked or inactive.
PayPal Accepted	Our records indicate that you chose to receive your token of appreciation via PayPal and have accepted the payment. Please contact us with any concerns.
PayPal Unclaimed	Our records indicate that you chose to receive your token of appreciation via PayPal, but you have not yet claimed your payment. The payment will expire after 30 days, so please be sure to claim it before then. Please contact us with any concerns.
Check	Our records indicate that you selected a check as a token of our appreciation. Your check is being processed and should arrive in a 3-4 weeks. Please contact us with any concerns.
No Incentive	Leave blank

Re-interview Type

Interview type - Web	To complete the quality control survey, please log in to our secure website at https://surveys.nces.ed.gov/bps/ using the Study ID and password provided below: Study ID: «caseid» Password: «password»
Interview type - CATI	Please call BPS Help Desk at 800-247-6056, provide our interviewer with the Study ID number listed below, and inform them that you are calling in reference to the quality control survey. Study ID: «caseid»

Address Confirmation Experiment – E-mail

Experimental Group: Have not updated contact information yet	As a reminder, we will send you $5 just for taking a few minutes to update your contact information at the beginning of the survey! Once you update your contact information, you will have the opportunity to continue with the survey and[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< receive an additional $<<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal>> or check.>>]// [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>
Experimental Group: Have updated contact information	Thank you for updating your contact information! Please take the time to continue with your survey and[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< receive an additional $<<inc_amount>> upon completion, payable via <<PayPal>> or check.>>]//[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>]
Control Group	[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<When you complete your survey, you will receive $«inc_amount» as a token of our appreciation, payable by «PayPal or »check>>]//[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>]

Postcard Merge Fields

Interesting Facts

	<<Interesting fact>> Outside text	<<Fact question>> Inside text
Fact 1	56.5% of first-time beginning postsecondary students in 2011–12 were women.	Help us understand if this still holds true in 2024!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 2	22.0% of first-time beginning postsecondary students used credit cards to pay for their tuition and fees in 2011–12. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).	Has this changed for 2024? Help us find out!
Fact 3	First-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 had held an average of 3.1 jobs by June 2017. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).	Will you help us determine if this remains true?
Fact 4	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 50.5% attended more than one college or university within 6 years. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).	Is this still true? Help us find out!
Fact 5	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution, 21.4% had studied abroad by June 2017.	Is this still true? Help us find out!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 6	34.7% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 transferred between institutions at least once by June 2017. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).	Is this still true? Help us find out!
Fact 7	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 4-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $20,300. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).	What does this amount look like in 2024? Contribute to our research!
Fact 8	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first attended a 2-year institution and borrowed federal student loans, the average amount borrowed by June 2017 was about $12,900. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).	What does this amount look like in 2024? Contribute to our research!
Fact 9	43.9% of first-time beginning college students who entered postsecondary education in 2011–12 did not earn a degree or certificate within 6 years. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).	What do those figures look like in 2024? Contribute to our research!
Fact 10	Among Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students who were first-time beginning college students in 2011–12, 29.6% said the highest level of education they ever expected to complete was a master’s degree or higher (as of 2017).	Help us understand if this is still true in 2024. Contribute to our research!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 11	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning college students who took out federal loans, the average monthly repayment amount in 2017 was $175 per month.	Help us understand if this is still true in 2024!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2012-17 Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:12/17).
Fact 12	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students, 8.5% percent had completed a certificate, 10.9% percent had completed an associate’s degree, and 36.8% percent had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years.	Help us understand if this trend has continued!
	*Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.
Fact 13	Among first-time beginning college students who started in a bachelor’s degree program in 2011–12, the share who earned a bachelor’s degree by June 2017 was 66.1%. *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.	Help us understand if this trend has continued!
Fact 14	Among first-time beginning college students who started in an associate’s degree program in 2011–12, 21.3% had an associate’s degree as their highest degree earned within 6 years and an additional 12.4% had earned a bachelor’s degree. *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.	Help us understand if this trend has continued!
Fact 15	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a public 2-year institution, 8.4% had completed a certificate, 18.1% had completed an associate’s degree, and 12.7% had completed a bachelor’s degree at any institution within 6 years. *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.	Help us understand if this trend has continued!
Fact 16	Among 2011–12 first-time beginning postsecondary students who first enrolled in a 4-year institution, 59.1% had completed a bachelor’s degree, 6.0% had completed an associate’s degree, and 2.3% had completed a certificate at any institution within 6 years. *Source: Chen, X., Elliott, B.G., Kinney, S.K., Cooney, D., Pretlow, J., Bryan, M., Wu, J., Ramirez, N.A., and Campbell, T. (2019). Persistence, Retention, and Attainment of 2011–12 First-Time Beginning Postsecondary Students as of Spring 2017 (First Look) (NCES 2019-401). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved [date] from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch.	Help us understand if this trend has continued!
Fact 17	7.9% of Black undergraduate students in 2019–20 were enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).	Has this figure changed for 2024? Please contribute to our research!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).
Fact 18	Among undergraduates who attended college in North Carolina in 2019–20, 85.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).	Help us understand if this impacted students like you!
Fact 19	Among undergraduates who attended college in Georgia in 2019–20, 81.7% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic. *Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).	Help us understand if this impacted students like you!
Fact 20	Among undergraduates who attended college in Pennsylvania in 2019–20, 92.9% had some or all classes moved to online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.	Help us understand if this impacted students like you!
	*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:20).

Address Confirmation Experiment – Postcard

Experimental Group: Have not updated contact information yet	As a reminder, we will send you $5 just for taking a few minutes to update your contact information at the beginning of the survey! Once you update your contact information, you will have the opportunity to continue with the survey and[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< receive an additional $<<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal>> or check.>>]// [IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>
Experimental Group: Have updated contact information	Thank you for updating your contact information! Please take the time to continue with your survey and[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<< receive an additional $<<inc_amount>> upon completion, payable via <<PayPal>> or check.>>]//[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>]
Control Group	[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE:<<When you complete your survey, you will receive $«inc_amount» as a token of our appreciation, payable by «PayPal or »check>>]//[IF INCENTIVE ELIGIBLE AND RECENT BOOST:<<, since your participation is very important, you will now receive an additional $<<boost_amount>> for completing your BPS survey - that's a total of <<inc_amount>>, payable via <<PayPal or>>check!>>]

Incentive Text Outside

Incentive Eligible (No Boost)	Complete your important education survey today and get $<<inc_amount>>.
Incentive Boost	We’ve now added an extra $<<boost_amount>> for when you complete an important education survey.
Incentive Ineligible	Help us reach our goal!

Incentive Group

Incentive Boost	<<fname>>, we’ve added an extra $<<boost_amount>> for completing this important education survey. Once you finish your <<time>>-minute survey, you will now receive a total of $<<inc_amount>> by check<< or PayPal>>. We hope you will complete your Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal (BPS) survey survey today.
Incentive Ineligible	<<fname>>, we hope you will complete your <<time>>-minute Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal (BPS) survey survey today.
Incentive but not Boost	<<fname>>, once you complete your <<time>>-minute survey we will send you $<<inc_amount>> by check<< or PayPal>>. We hope you will complete your Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal (BPS) survey today.