NSPA Data Standard - Data Definitions - v1.0

Owned by Nicolette delMuro
Last updated: Jun 24, 2024 by Nicolette delMuro
15 min read

This section provides detailed data definitions and general usage for the NSPA Scholarship Program data model. Examples of data files and schema are available (for JSON). The definitions listed below are in order as they would be found in the JSON record. The NSPA Data Standard also includes a specification for a flat-file representation.

Contents

Scholarship Program


Metadata

Metadata and additional information related to this program record.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Unique ID

    • Type: Short String

    • Example Value:

      • cfc0fac3-5d0d-4c0d-b1ec-b25c47e1ecc4

  • Created By

    • Type: Short String

    • Example Value:

      • NSPA Exchange

  • Created On

    • Type: Date-Time

    • Example Value:

      • 2021-03-01T12:00:00Z

  • Last Modified On (This field is not included in the JSON file at this time.)

    • Type: Date-Time

    • Example Value:

      • 2021-02-14T12:00:00Z

  • Lists

    • Type: Short String Array (defined by NSPA List of Lists)

    • Example Values:

      • New in 2021

      • Programs for Hispanic Americans

      • Programs for Jocks

  • Program Categories

    • Type: Short String Array

    • Example Values:

      • Academic

      • First-Generation

  • Eligibility Criteria Hierarchies

    • Type: Medium String Array

    • Example Values:

      • Activity > Sports > Tennis

      • Field of Study > Engineering > Nuclear Engineering

Program Reference ID

The ID the organization supplying the program information uses to uniquely identify the program. If the reference ID matches one previously supplied by this organization, the existing data will be updated (replaced by) the new information. There are no restrictions on the format of this id; it can be a number, a GUID, etc. It is simply matched as-is.

Type: Short String

Example Value:

  • 3cb8744a-0fee-4f54-9a6f-588643e25115

Program Organization

Information about the organization sponsoring the program, minimally including the organization name.

Type: Object / Complex Type (Organization)

Contains:

Additional Associated Organizations

An optional list of additional organizations related to this program. Used to indicate associations such as the community foundation administering the program or the hosting service for the program's online application. These additional organizations are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be used to infer eligibility or an application URL.

Type: Object / Complex Type (Associated Organizations)

Contains:

Application Cycle

The scholarship application cycle during which this program was accepting applications. Should be formatted as a school academic year (e.g., 2019-2020). Usually precedes the academic year in which the award will be used (e.g., awards in the 2019-2020 application cycle will be used in the 2020-2021 academic year).

Type: Short String

Example Value:

  • 2021-2022

Last Verified On

The original date on which the scholarship program information was verified by a human. Null indicates that the information has never been formally verified.

Type: Date

Example Value:

  • 2021-09-10

Last Verified By

The entity or organization that most recently verified the scholarship program information. May include both an organization name and an identifier for an individual (e.g., 'NSPA Exchange / JR'). Organizations sharing data should be consistent about their own name.

Type: Short String

Example Value:

  • NSPA Exchange / JR

Program Name

The full name of the program.

Type: Medium String

Example Values:

  • Dell Scholars Program

  • Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Program Common Name

A common name, nickname, abbreviated name, or another alternate name for the program (e.g., Dell Scholarship, Coke Scholars).

Type: Medium String

Example Values:

  • Dell Scholars

  • Coke Scholars

Program URL

The web page address for program information. By convention, should be specific to the scholarship program, not a general organization home page.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • https://example.org/aboutus/programs/scholarship

Application URL

The web page address for the online application, if any.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • https://apply.example.org/appstart/

Program Contact

A public contact, if any, for the program. By convention, empty if no specific and public information is provided by the program organization.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Email

    • Type: Short String

    • Example Value:

      • applynow@example.org

  • Name or Department

    • Type: Short String

    • Example Value:

      • Lucy van Pelt, Financial Aid

  • Phone

    • Type: Short String

    • Example Value:

      • 512-555-1213

Open Date

The open date of the application. By convention, the next open date in the application cycle (or the already passed open date in the current application cycle).

Type: Date

Example Value:

  • 2021-11-01

Close Date

The closing date of the application. By convention, the next closing date in the application cycle (or an already passed closing date in the current application cycle).

Type: Date

Example Value:

  • 2022-02-15

Announcement Date

The date scholarship awards are announced. Typically, the date the announcement notification is made to applicants. May be the date recipients are posted on a public website if the notification date is unknown. By convention, the next announcement date in the application cycle (or an already passed announcement date in the current application cycle).

Type: Date

  • 2022-05-15

Scholarship Maximum Award

If the scholarship provides a range, the maximum of the range. If the scholarship only awards one amount, this amount should be populated.

Type: Decimal

Example Values:

  • 10000

  • 555.55

Scholarship Minimum Award

If the scholarship provides a range, the minimum of the range. By convention, not present if the scholarship awards a single amount.

Type: Decimal

Example Values:

  • 1000

  • 99.99

Award Amount Description

A non-numeric statement regarding the award amount (e.g., Free Ride, Full Tuition). Values are often, but not always, mutually exclusive. Typically present only if the program sponsor describes the award in these terms.

Type: Short String Array (based on Award Amount List)

Example Values:

  • Free Ride

  • Full Tuition

Award Duration

The duration in which a scholarship award may be used. Indicates the number of years for a multiyear program, or the number of renewals for a renewable program.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contents:

  • Award Duration Type.

    • Type: Short String (based on Award Duration Type List)

    • Example Values:

      • One-Time

      • Renewable

  • Duration Years.

    • Type: Decimal

    • Example Value:

      • 4

Number of Scholarships Awarded

The number of scholarships awarded by this program in a given cycle (generally for applications received between the open date and close date). If no date range is specified, the NSPA Exchange assumes a 12-month cycle.

Type: Integer

Example Values:

  • 25

Is Need-Based

Indicator of whether or not the scholarship is need-based.

Type: Boolean

Example Values:

  • True

  • False

Is Merit-Based

Indicator of whether or not the scholarship is merit-based.

Type: Boolean

Example Values:

  • True

  • False

Is Contest

Indicator of whether or not the scholarship award is based on a contest or prize. These typically have few eligibility criteria. If true, contest or prize details should appear in the Blurb or Eligibility Criteria Detail elements.

Type: Boolean

Example Values:

  • True

  • False

Is Automatic Application

Indicator of whether or not prospective scholars are automatically considered for the program without having to apply (e.g., a school district where all valedictorians of the graduating class are automatically enrolled for consideration). These programs are typically omitted from scholarship listing services.

Type: Boolean

Example Values:

  • True

  • False

Is Automatic Award

Indicator of whether or not the scholarship is automatically awarded to every eligible applicant (e.g., as are some programs for U.S. armed servicemembers). These programs are typically omitted from scholarship listing services.

Type: Boolean

Example Values:

  • True

  • False

Blurb

A short description of the scholarship program. May include markdown. Should not include HTML or similarly tagged markup.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • The Dell Scholars Program, an initiative of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, recognizes students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education. Applicants will be reviewed for financial need and the drive to succeed despite personal obstacles, displaying the qualities of grit, potential, and ambition. Graduating high school seniors who have participated in an approved college readiness program are welcome to apply.

Program Self Description

A short description of the program as described by the program or hosting organization itself. Analogous to the Blurb, but self-reported or based on the original text. May include markdown. Should not include HTML or similarly tagged markup.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • It takes more than financial support to reach college graduation. That’s why the Dell Scholars program was designed to provide a support system for the challenges many students face while pursuing a degree. Even so, we recognize that college costs can be a significant burden for many students and their families. Nationally, 500 Dell Scholars are selected each year to receive a scholarship plus lots of non-monetary supports.

Eligibility Criteria Description

An optional, human-readable description of the Eligibility Criteria for the program. Compliments the structured Eligibility Criteria element, which may not capture all the nuances of the program requirements. May include markdown. Should not include HTML or similarly tagged markup.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • Minimum 2.4 GPA

  • Graduating high school senior

  • Seeking a bachelor's degree as a full-time student

  • Participate in an approved college readiness program in grades 11 and 12

  • Demonstrate financial need (Pell grant eligible)

Award Selection Criteria Description

An optional list of criteria, and weightings if available, used by the program to select awardees from the program's applicant pool. Typically present if publicly available or supplied by program staff.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • Grades

  • Advanced and challenging coursework taken

  • Demonstrated personal responsibility

  • Essay quality

Award Verification Criteria Description

An optional list of verifications (e.g., proof of citizenship, tax return, Student Aid Report) required for the scholarship program. Typically present if publicly available or supplied by program staff.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • Official transcript

  • Student Aid Report (SAR)

  • Online recommendation

Allowed Funding Use Description

An optional list of purposes for which the scholarship award may be used (e.g., tuition, books, living expenses, travel). Typically present if publicly available or supplied by program staff.

Type: Long String

Example Value:

  • Tuition

  • Fees

  • Full cost of attendance

  • Loan repayment

  • Study abroad

  • Internship stipends

  • Graduate school

Logo

A logo image for the program. By convention, the logo of the provider or sponsor organization if the program itself does not have a specific logo.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Logo File.

    • Type: Base 64 Binary

    • Example Value:

      • iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAcAAAAHCAYAAADEUlfTAAAAOElEQVQImWO4LFH0HxsAiTPAGMgAxmdhgIIrksUwJhwwwVg6z3tRaBRJmE4UE2DmY6NxG8vAwAAAI2xRVzlDuxMAAAAASUVORK5CYII

  • Logo URL.

    • Type: Medium String

    • Example Value:

      • https://cdn.example.com/img-ref/xndfg1d1e/logo-file.png

  • Logo File Name.

    • Type: Short String

    • Example Value:

      • logo-file.png

  • MIME Type.

    • Type: Short String

    • Example Value:

      • image/png

Eligibility Criteria

A set of 27 eligibility criteria related to a scholarship program. Detailed descriptions follow.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Preference Criteria

A set of eligibility preferences for this scholarship program. Preference Criteria indicate stated preferences that are not mandatory for an applicant to be eligible for the program. By definition, mirrors the structure of Eligibility Criteria exactly. Contrast with the Eligibility Criteria which are mandatory.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Noteworthy Application Characteristics

Additional noteworthy details regarding the program application such as whether the application requires a fee, raises legitimacy concerns, and so forth. Not all characteristics indicate ill intent, but most are areas of interest or concern for providers and listing services.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Requires Application Fee

    • Type: Boolean

    • Example Values:

      • True

      • False

  • Application Fee Amount

    • Type: Decimal

    • Example Value:

      • 100

  • Application Appears Insecure

    • Type: Boolean

    • Example Values:

      • True

      • False

  • Legitimacy Concerns

    • Contains:

      • Has Legitimacy Concerns

        • Type: Boolean

        • Example Values:

          • True

          • False

      • Legitimacy Concern

        • Type: Short String Array (defined by NSPA Legitimacy Concern List)

        • Example Values:

          • No Contact Information

          • No Evidence of Past Winners

  • Listing Flags

    • Type: Short String Array (defined by NSPA Listing Flag List)

    • Example Values:

      • Application Contains Spelling or Grammatical Issues

      • Requires Product Purchase

      • Requires Referrals or Others' Contact Information

Eligibility Criteria Detailed Definitions

Academic Eligibility

Academic and test information used to determine scholarship eligibility or qualification.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Example Values:

  • Academic Eligibility: Minimum GPA | Academic Eligibility Value: 3.2

  • Academic Eligibility: Minimum Class Rank Percentage | Academic Eligibility Value: .15

Activity Eligibility

An activity, including a sport, hobby, avocation, or similar active pursuit. Contrast with Interest, which represents an enjoyment or spectator role.

Type: Short String Array (defined by NSPA Activity List)

Example Values:

  • Model UN

  • Basketball

  • Violin

Affiliation Eligibility

An affiliation or other relationship to an organization or entity.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Indirect Relation

    • Type: Relation List

  • Direct Relation

    • Type: Relation List

  • Affiliation Entity

  • Affiliation Entity Other

    • Type: Short String

Example Values:

  • Direct Relation: Employee Of | Affiliation Entity: Burger King

  • Indirect Relation: Child Of | Direct Relation: Employee Of | Affiliation Entity: IBM

Age Eligibility

Minimum and maximum age requirements for the program. Only used when age is notable and specifically indicated by the program. For the majority of programs, Current Grade Level is used as a proxy for age requirements.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Minimum Age Requirement

    • Type: Decimal

  • Maximum Age Requirement

    • Type: Decimal

Application Restriction Eligibility

A restriction for applying to this scholarship program (e.g., indicating the application is by invitation only). Details should be provided in the Blurb or Eligibility Criteria Detail elements.

Type: Application Restriction List

Armed Services Eligibility

A bundle of Armed Services criteria.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Armed Service Branch

    • Type: Armed Services List

  • Armed Service Status

    • Type: Armed Services Status List

  • Armed Service Relation

    • Type: Armed Services Relation List

Award Use Location

The location or locations in which an award may be used. Contrast with the Location Criteria, which defines where a scholar must currently live, and the Study Abroad Criteria which indicates award use in another country.

Type: Location

Citizenship Status

The student's citizenship status at the time of application.

Type: Array of Citizenship Status List items

College Plan Criteria

This criteria is for selecting a school or schools that the applicant hopes to attend or has an interest in attending. Does not indicate that future or current enrollment exists.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

College Readiness Program Participation

A list of common college readiness programs in which the applicant must have participated to qualify for an award.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Condition Criteria

A list of conditions, usually medical in nature, that an applicant may have or have had to qualify for an award.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Current Grade Level

The student’s grade level at the time of application.

Type: Array of Current Grade Level list items

Current School Criteria

A school or schools in which a scholar must be currently enrolled to qualify for an award.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Usage Notes:

  • Contrast with the College Plan Criteira (which describe future and potential enrollments such as college applications), and Graduation Criteria (which describe past graduations and alumni relationships).

Demographics

The student's gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, race, or ancestry status at the time of application.

Type: Array of Demographic List items

Financial Information

Financial information used to determine scholarship eligibility or qualification.

Location

The location where a scholar must currently reside to be eligible for an award. Typically inclusive of current residence and also the location that the scholar considers to be their home.

Type: Location Array

Usage Notes:

  • Contrast with Award Use Criteria, which indicate restrictions on where an award may be used.

Enrollment Status

The student’s enrollment status either at the time of application or expected status once attending school.

Type: Array of Enrollment Status List items

Field Of Study

A field of study the scholar intends to pursue using the award. Includes both a common definition and structures for the NCES/IPEDS Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for the field of study.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Graduation Criteria

A set of criteria to indicate past graduation requirements, including degree attainment, a field of study, and a college or institution. The various criteria may be used individually or in combination.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Usage Notes:

  • Contrast with the College Plan Criteira (which describe future and potential enrollments such as college applications), and Current School Criteria (which describe current enrollment requirements).

Interest Criteria

Requirements related to general study, appreciation, or future intent.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Interest Criteria

  • Interest Criteria Other

    • Type: Short String

Usage Notes:

  • Contrast with Activity Criteria, which imply active participation or current involvement.

Miscellaneous Criteria

An extended list of criteria not fitting in other categories.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Miscellaneous Criteria

  • Miscellaneous Criteria Other

    • Type: Short String

Parent Profession Criteria

Requirements that are related to a scholar's parent’s profession. Includes an indicator for whether the profession must be a current profession.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Profession

  • Profession Other

    • Short String

  • SOC Code

    • Type: Short String (based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics SOC Code list)

  • Must Be Current Profession

    • Type: Boolean

Profession Criteria

Requirements that are related to a scholar's profession. Includes an indicator for whether the profession must be a current profession.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Profession

  • Profession Other

    • Short String

  • SOC Code

    • Type: Short String (based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics SOC Code list)

  • Must Be Current Profession

    • Type: Boolean

Seeking Degree

A degree type or certification the scholar intends to pursue using the award.

Type: Array of Seeking Degree List items

Situation Criteria

The list of situations served by a program. An applicant's situation qualifying the applicant for a scholarship.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Study Abroad Criteria

Criteria indicating that an award is intended for use in a country other than the applicant’s current country.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Study Abroad Destination Array

Unforeseen Event Criteria

An event such as a hurricane or, say, a pandemic that has affected the lives of prospective scholars.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

Enumeration Definitions

Application Restriction List

The list of special restrictions on the application.

Values:

  • Invitation Only

  • Recommendation Only

Armed Services List

The list of Armed Services.

Values:

  • Any Service

  • Army

  • Navy

  • Air Force

  • Marine Corps

  • Coast Guard

  • National Guard

  • Air Force National Guard

  • Army National Guard

  • Merchant Marine

  • NOAA

  • USPHS

Armed Services Relation List

The list of relations to a member of the armed services. If no relation is present, then assume self. Dependent includes Child. Family includes Dependent and Child.

Values:

  • Any Relation

  • Child Of

  • Dependent Of

  • Descendant Of

  • Family Of

  • Grandchild Of

  • Parent Of

  • Sibling Of

  • Spouse Of

Armed Services Status List

The list of Armed Services Statuses.

Values:

  • Active Duty

  • Any Status

  • Reserve Duty

  • Veteran

  • Retired

  • Retired Reservist

  • POW/MIA

  • KIA

Award Amount Description List

A non-numeric, general description of a program award amount. Typically present only if program sponsor lists award as such.

Values:

  • Free Ride

  • Full Tuition

  • Partial Tuition

Award Duration Type List

The list of Award Duration options.

Values:

  • One-Time

  • Multiyear

  • Renewable

Degree Criteria List

A list of degrees used for eligibility and qualification criteria.

Values:

  • High School

  • GED

  • Professional Badge

  • Professional Certification

  • Professional Micro-credential

  • 1-year Certificate

  • Associate Degree

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • Graduate Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

  • Law Degree

  • MBA

  • MFA

  • PhD

Enrollment Status Criteria List

The list of enrollment status criteria.

Values:

  • Full-Time or Part-Time

  • Full-Time Only

  • Part-Time Only

Financial Eligibility Criteria List

The list of financial eligibility and qualification criteria. Most are assumed to be FAFSA amounts, but senders may use the closest equivalent if it's unclear. By convention, 'other' values will be ignored unless agreed upon between sender and receiver.

Values:

  • Minimum AGI

  • Maximum AGI

  • Minimum EFC

  • Maximum EFC

Grade Level List

The list of grade-level eligibility and qualification criteria. Represents current grade at the time of application.

Usage Notes:

  • Contrast with Graduation Criteria, which records past promotions and graduations.

Values:

  • High School Freshman

  • High School Sophomore

  • High School Junior

  • High School Senior

  • Community College Freshman

  • Community College Freshman - Attended College Previously

  • Community College Sophomore

  • College Freshman

  • College Freshman - Attended College Previously

  • College Sophomore

  • College Junior

  • College Senior

  • 5th Year College Undergraduate

  • Nth Year College Undergraduate

  • Graduate Student

  • Doctoral Candidate

  • Postgraduate Medical School

  • Postgraduate Law School

  • Not Enrolled

  • On Academic Break

Organization Role List

The list of organization roles in relation to the program.

Values:

  • Application Hosting Service Provider

  • Eligibility - Alumnus Requirement

  • Eligibility - Enrollment Requirement

  • Listing Service

  • Program Administrator

  • Program Funder

  • Program Sponsor

Organization Type List

A list of organization types.

Values:

  • College or University

  • Community Foundation

  • High School

  • Hosting Service

  • Private Foundation

  • Trade or Technical School

Relation List

The list of relations. In some uses, may be chained (e.g., Child Of-Employee Of-ExampleCo Inc., which would indicate that children of ExampleCo employees were eligible for the scholarship in question). Dependent includes Child. Family includes Dependent, Child, Parent, and Spouse. Descendant includes Child.

Values:

  • Child Of

  • Customer Of

  • Dependent Of

  • Descendant Of

  • Employee Of

  • Family Of

  • Member Of

  • Parent Of

  • Retiree Of

  • Spouse Of

  • Volunteer For

Shared Object Definitions

Address

An address for a person or organization in a standard format.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Address Line 1

  • Address Line 2

  • City

  • State or Province

  • Zip or Postal Code

  • Country

Location

A location used to determine eligibility or qualification.

Contains:

  • City

  • County

  • State

  • Country

Organization

Information about organizations affiliated with a program. Includes a type, a logo, and other details.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • Logo File

  • Logo File Name

  • Organization Name

  • Organization Reference ID

  • Organization Role

  • Organization Type

School

An educational institution such as a High School, College, Trade School, or similar.

Type: Object / Complex Type

Contains:

  • School Name

  • NCES Code

  • CEEB Code

  • EI Code

  • School Type

  • School Address

Simple Type Definitions

The specification describes a few simple element types to indicate the maximum length of a given alphanumeric string.

Long String

An alphanumeric string with a maximum length of 4000 characters. Typically used for elements containing multi-line, free-text content. Used also for URLs throughout.

Medium String

An alphanumeric string with a maximum length of 512 characters. Typically used for elements containing long, single-line values.

Short String

An alphanumeric string with a maximum length of 100 characters. Typically used for short, single-line data points such as Name, City, and similar.

 

 

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