Membership in ICPSR
Discover the Power of ICPSR Membership
ICPSR membership provides institution-wide access to unlimited data downloads for students, faculty, staff, and researchers via the world’s largest social science data archive. Members benefit from tools that reduce time to degree, track data usage and impact, and support stronger data literacy.
Unmatched Access to High-Quality Research Data
Gain free, direct research data access for scholarly publishing, classroom use, and hands-on training.
- Download data on demand
- Sensitive identifiers are carefully managed to balance privacy and analytical value
- ICPSR enriches data with expert curation, metadata, codebooks, and disclosure review — making each dataset more usable and trustworthy
- While ICPSR doesn’t own or license the data, its enhancements protect and improve data usability and impact
Great datasets, professional development, and a strong community
Members benefit from nearly 50% off tuition
Comprehensive Training in Quantitative Methods
For over 60 years, ICPSR’s Summer Program has provided intensive training in statistics, data analysis, and research methods. With 90+ courses — from introductory to advanced — researchers and students gain critical skills to tackle today’s complex challenges. Members receive deep tuition discounts and access to over $150,000 in scholarships.
Courses include, among others:
- Statistics and Data Analysis I
- Regression Analysis
- Network Analysis
- Multilevel Models
- Categorical Data Analysis
Learn more: ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods
A Safe Haven for Data Deposit, Sharing, and Preservation
ICPSR provides a secure, trusted platform to deposit research data — across 40+ disciplines — at no cost to individuals from member institutions.
- Your data is protected from digital threats and carefully reviewed for disclosure risks.
- Long-term preservation ensures data remains accessible for future researchers.
- Every dataset is expertly curated with detailed metadata, methodological notes, and documentation — maximizing discoverability and usability.
Learn more: Share and Manage Data
ICPSR’s expertise is a game-changer when supporting researchers
The metadata, documentation, and publication tracking make a huge difference
Expert Support for Research Data Management
From proposal to publication, ICPSR offers personalized support:
- Crafting data management plans for grant applications
- Creating appropriate Terms of Use
- Guidance on budgeting for data curation
- Best practices for data sharing and preservation
Learn more: Data Management Plans & Grant Support
Resources for Teaching and Learning
ICPSR equips instructors with easy-to-use tools and classroom-ready materials designed to promote data literacy and engage students in real-world analysis.
- Create assignments and activities using live datasets
- Use ready-made exercises or build your own from ICPSR’s curated content
- Support your institution’s quantitative literacy goals with evolving resources — developed and funded by member fees
Learn more: Teaching and Learning Resources
Data literacy resources to level-up skills
History Drives Our Future
ICPSR began sharing data in 1962, evolving with agency requirements, technology, and the needs of ICPSR members. We have been at the forefront of data access and preservation — from the paper punch cards and magnetic tapes of the past to today’s delivery of most data directly to members’ devices.
Data and training are of interest to over 40 academic fields and are used by faculty, students, and researchers, from beginner to expert.
Today, member institutions report that ICPSR membership is crucial for their institution to stay competitive and relevant in the academic landscape. Being a member enhances the institution’s reputation, attracts top faculty and students, and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in scientific research and training.