For parents who are interested in the common data sets. Here is the central location.
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data
For parents with high school students, keep an eye and ear on school announcements. Our local school has a monthly presentation on college admission, financial aid, scholarships application etc. I found it very helpful.  Surprisingly, the attendance is very low, yet parents complain about lack of communication. 
 
 
                     
                    