Data Access

The New Jersey Statewide Data System (NJSDS) includes de-identified individual-level data from multiple New Jersey state agencies, including the K-12 education system, colleges and universities, and workforce and training programs, all within a secure environment.

Participating agency staff and approved external users can apply to access and use NJSDS data. All requests must align with the NJSDS Research Agenda.

There are three options for data requests: participating state agency access, aggregate-level data requests, and de-identified individual-level records.

  • State agency access is restricted to staff at NJSDS-participating state agencies.
  • Aggregate-level data requests are for summary information that the NJSDS research team will prepare and share with the requestor as a table via email.
  • Individual-level data requests are for access to de-identified data that will be provided in a secure cloud-based platform and only available for a limited time. Individual-level data requests are subject to further review and eligibility requirements.

All requests are subject to approval by the NJSDS Executive Leadership Committee.

All aggregate-level and individual-level requestors must review the NJSDS External Access program requirements and Cost Recovery Policy before submitting an application.

Applications

If you are employed by one of the four NJSDS-participating state agencies (NJDOE, NJDOL, HESAA, and OSHE) and would like to submit a request for data access, please use the State Agency request form.

External researchers who would like to receive aggregate-level data via email should make a request by completing the Aggregate-level application.

External researchers who would like to receive access to de-identified data via a secure cloud-based platform should submit their request via the Individual-level application.

Fee Exemptions

As noted in the NJSDS Data Use and Access Policy, NJSDS may charge a fee to develop and process data.  A fee exemption request may be submitted with data request applications for those who qualify. Current students who meet the access eligibility criteria as indicated in the NJSDS External Access program requirements, state agency staff, or staff of related non-governmental entities such as local school districts, colleges, or workforce development boards are eligible for a fee waiver. For-profit and non-governmental organizations are subject to the fees as outlined on the Cost Recovery Policy.

To download the fee exemption form, click here.

Data Dictionary

To view the NJSDS Data Dictionary, click here.

Data Sources

State data sources currently in NJSDS include:

PreK-12 Education

  • PreK-12 (NJSMART) Enrollment Data
  • PreK-12 (NJSMART) Completion Data
  • PreK-12 (NJSMART) Staff Data

Higher Education

  • Student Unit Record (SURE) Enrollment Data
  • Student Unit Record (SURE) Completion Data
  • Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) Student Aid Records

Labor and Workforce Development

  • Unemployment Insurance Wage Data
  • Unemployment Insurance Claims Data
  • Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) Case Data
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Program Case Data
  • Consumer Report Card Private Training Provider Data
  • Participant Individual Record Layout (PIRL) Data
  • Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) Data