DebtData is designed so that important statistical claims can be traced to the source that supports them. Citations are used to show where a number, definition, dataset, or research finding originated and to distinguish source-published statistics from DebtData calculations.
Primary Citation Standard
DebtData prefers the most direct available source: an official dataset, downloadable table, agency release, statistical report, or original research publication. An organization homepage is not used in place of a specific source when a more precise source is available.
What Requires Support
Important numerical claims, historical series, rankings, demographic comparisons, policy-sensitive definitions, and methodological statements should be supported by a source appropriate to the measure.
Common knowledge and simple explanatory transitions do not require repeated citation when the underlying data are already clearly sourced.
Source Scope
A citation supports only the claim and population covered by that source. A federal borrower table does not automatically support a claim about all private borrowers. A graduating-cohort study does not automatically support a claim about every person with an outstanding loan.
DebtData Calculations
When DebtData calculates a value from published inputs, the underlying source is cited and the result is described as a DebtData calculation when readers could otherwise mistake it for an agency-published statistic.
Calculations are not performed across incompatible populations, periods, or definitions merely to create a new headline number.
Secondary Sources
Secondary publishers can be useful for finding a dataset or understanding how a statistic is commonly discussed, but DebtData attempts to cite the original source when it is available. Repetition across multiple secondary websites is not treated as independent verification.
Research Studies
When academic or nonprofit research is used, DebtData preserves the study’s population, period, and evidence level. Findings from one cohort, state, age group, or institution type are not presented as universal national facts unless the research design supports that interpretation.
Source Changes
Some agencies update files in place. A cited URL may therefore point to a newer version of a dataset than the version originally used in a report. DebtData records the relevant data period in the report so that the measurement date remains clear even when the source file changes.
Citing DebtData
Readers may cite a DebtData report using the page title, site name, publication or update date shown on the page, and the page URL. When the underlying statistic is needed for academic, legal, or policy work, the original source listed by DebtData should also be consulted.