An opinion piece argues that the U.S. needs stronger data systems linking education and workforce outcomes so policymakers can determine which programs actually work after high school. The piece emphasizes that current decision-making often lacks the information required to guide students toward college, apprenticeships, or job-training pathways. The author points to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the U.S. Department of Education as a key federal anchor for education research and for supporting state data systems such as State Longitudinal Data System grants and the Workforce Data Quality Initiative. The piece warns that proposed deep federal cuts could reduce states’ capacity to build and maintain connected data infrastructure. It also notes that Congress previously rejected large IES reductions in the fiscal 2026 appropriations process, maintaining funding levels for data system development support. The argument frames data infrastructure as foundational to equity-focused investment and to measuring opportunity gaps. For higher education institutions, the reporting signals an upstream risk: if postsecondary outcome data systems weaken, universities and state systems may lose the evidence needed to adjust advising, curriculum, and completion strategies.