Are the TEDS data files comparable?

State-to-state comparisons should be made with extreme caution due to differences in state licensure, certification, accreditation practices, and disbursement of public funds. Because of differences in individual state data systems, data collection, and methodology, caution should be exercised in any comparative analyses and/or reporting. Additional information outlining individual state data systems reporting characteristics are included in Appendix C of the latest annual report.