IHEP – Research Intern Remote Internship for October 2026 to May 2027

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) is seeking a Research Intern to join its research team remotely during the academic year from October 2026 through May 2027. This part-time internship is designed for students interested in higher education research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, policy, and advocacy.

Internship Overview

Organization: Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP)
Position: Research Intern
Job Type: Internship / Part-time
Work Mode: Fully Remote
Location: Washington, D.C. / Remote
Internship Period: October 2026 – May 2027
Hours: 20–25 hours per week
Pay: $20–$24 per hour
Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship

About the Internship

The Research Intern will support IHEP’s research team with quantitative and qualitative research related to postsecondary education.

The research team works on topics including college access, affordability, completion, success and value, postsecondary data and transparency, and federal, state and institutional policies related to equity.

The intern will have the opportunity to develop practical research skills while contributing to reports, blogs, presentations, advocacy materials and other projects designed to improve higher education outcomes.

Key Research Areas

The internship may involve research related to:

• Postsecondary education policy
• College access and affordability
• College completion and success
• Postsecondary data and transparency
• Higher education research
• Education policy and advocacy
• Research-informed practices
• Student outcomes and attainment

Primary Responsibilities

• Support quantitative and qualitative research projects.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Perform research using higher education datasets.
• Write and support the development of blog posts and research materials.
• Summarize findings from higher education reports, news and publications.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations and research memos.
• Support the development of research reports and advocacy materials.
• Summarize key takeaways from external meetings, events and research studies.
• Assist with planning and logistics for convenings.
• Attend selected external meetings and events.
• Collaborate with other departments and staff.
• Support the research team with additional projects as needed.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a combination of the following skills and experience:

• Availability to work 20–25 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with quantitative or qualitative data analysis is preferred.
• Experience with data collection and higher education datasets is a plus.
• Some project management experience is preferred.
• Strong interest in postsecondary education research and advocacy.
• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including:
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Outlook
• Experience using video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Skills to Bring

Research Skills

• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Data Collection
• Literature Review
• Higher Education Research

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams

Professional Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Project Management
• Organization
• Attention to Detail

Internship Schedule

Start: October 2026
End: May 2027
Weekly Hours: 20–25 hours
Schedule: Part-time during fall and spring semesters
Work Mode: Fully remote

Compensation & Benefits

IHEP’s internship program offers an hourly pay range of:

$20–$24 per hour

IHEP also highlights benefits and workplace support including:

• Sick pay
• Holiday pay
• Flexible work arrangements
• $100 technology stipend
• Remote work environment
• Professional research experience

Work Location

Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization operates fully remotely on a day-to-day basis and welcomes remote applicants for this position.

Work Authorization

IHEP is not able to sponsor work permits.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship.

About IHEP

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) focuses on research, policy and advocacy related to higher education. Its work aims to support improvements in postsecondary education and promote greater access, affordability, success and value.

The organization works on issues involving higher education data, policy and practices that can improve postsecondary attainment and outcomes.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply online through the IHEP hiring portal:

https://ihep.hiringthing.com/job/1047604/research-intern-october-2026-may-2027

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the position?

The position is for a Research Intern at the Institute for Higher Education Policy.

2. Is this internship remote?

Yes. IHEP operates fully remotely and welcomes remote applicants for this position.

3. When does the internship start?

The internship is scheduled for October 2026 through May 2027.

4. How many hours per week are required?

Interns should be available to work approximately 20–25 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.

5. How much does the internship pay?

The hourly pay range is $20–$24 per hour.

6. What skills are preferred?

Experience with quantitative or qualitative data analysis, data collection, literature reviews and higher education datasets is preferred.

7. Which software skills are required?

Candidates should be comfortable with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

8. Is U.S. work authorization required?

Yes. IHEP does not sponsor work permits, so candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

9. Where can candidates apply?

Candidates can apply through the official IHEP hiring portal using the application link provided above.

Important Note

Candidates should carefully review the official internship requirements and work authorization conditions before applying. The internship is part-time and remote, but applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.