# Race and Ethnicity in IPUMS Higher Ed

**URL:** <https://forum.ipums.org/t/race-and-ethnicity-in-ipums-higher-ed/6970>\
**Category:** HIGHER ED\
**Created:** [February 21, 2026, 6:18am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/race-and-ethnicity-in-ipums-higher-ed/6970 "2026-02-21T06:18:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Ioannis\_Kospentaris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f475e1/32.png) [@Ioannis\_Kospentaris](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Ioannis_Kospentaris)\
**Post date:** [February 21, 2026, 6:18am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/race-and-ethnicity-in-ipums-higher-ed/6970/1 "2026-02-21T06:18:31Z")

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Hi folks,

I was wondering whether one can identify the race (white, black, mixed etc) and ethnicity (hispanic, non-hispanic, asian etc) of the respondent in IPUMS Higher Ed. I can see the variable RACETH but this is a mix of both race and ethnicity which does not distinguish between Black and Hispanic individuals (which is important for my purposes). Thanks in advance for your time and all your contributions!

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**Author:** ![Isabel\_Pastoor](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.ipums.org/isabel_pastoor/32/788_2.png) [@Isabel\_Pastoor](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Isabel_Pastoor)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2026, 8:37pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/race-and-ethnicity-in-ipums-higher-ed/6970/2 "2026-02-23T20:37:53Z")

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The surveys collect more detailed race and ethnicity information, including recording race and ethnicity separately. However, the data have been aggregated by the original data provider to protect respondent privacy. IPUMS provides the public-use data and does not have access to more detailed responses on race or ethnicity.

You may be able to access restricted-use data that include more detail on race and ethnicity from the NSCG and the SDR through the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation. You can read more about the data and application process on this page: [Restricted Use Data Licensing](https://ncses.nsf.gov/licensing).

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**Author:** ![Ioannis\_Kospentaris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f475e1/32.png) [@Ioannis\_Kospentaris](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Ioannis_Kospentaris)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2026, 7:17am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/race-and-ethnicity-in-ipums-higher-ed/6970/3 "2026-02-24T07:17:22Z")

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Thanks much!