
National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS)
The National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS) is a research project conducted by the U.S. Department of Education that tracks a nationally representative group of students from eighth grade through their post-secondary education and early careers. It collects data on students' academic performance, school experiences, attitudes, and future plans to better understand how educational choices and environments influence long-term outcomes. NELS aims to inform policymakers and educators about factors that support student success and improve the education system by providing valuable insights over time.