Researchers consider a high level of institutional diversity in a higher education system as a strength. While the literature considers key elements of diversity, existing research fails to employ methodological approaches that balance the need for capturing the breadth and depth of similarities and differences across institutions. This article reports on the use of cluster analysis to examine data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and to create a typology of six institutional types present across four-year institutions in U.S. higher education. The typology presented here helps identify the main types of institutions and offers useful insights for understanding the current state of institutional diversity. Drawing from the research on institutional diversity and organizational theory, the findings of this study provide a typology that can inform both researchers and practitioners as they compare different institutions. An enhanced understanding of the similarities and differences between institutions can clarify not only the range of characteristics and features within U.S. higher education, but also guide administrative decision-making.

中文翻译：

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美国高校制度多样性的实证类型学

研究人员将高等教育系统中高度的制度多样性视为一种优势。虽然文献考虑了多样性的关键要素，但现有研究未能采用方法论方法来平衡捕捉跨机构相似性和差异的广度和深度的需要。本文报告了使用聚类分析来检查来自综合高等教育数据系统 (IPEDS) 的数据，并创建美国高等教育四年制机构中存在的六种机构类型的类型学。这里介绍的类型学有助于确定主要的机构类型，并为理解机构多样性的当前状态提供有用的见解。借鉴制度多样性和组织理论的研究，这项研究的结果提供了一种类型学，可以在研究人员和从业人员比较不同机构时为他们提供信息。深入了解机构之间的异同不仅可以阐明美国高等教育的特点和特点的范围，而且可以指导行政决策。