Integrated Analytics Suite
Cross-Platform Education Cost Analysis
A sophisticated dual-platform analytics solution demonstrating advanced solution architecture. Combining Tableau's superior geographic visualization capabilities with Power BI's advanced financial modeling to create a professional analytical workflow for U.S. college cost analysis.
The Challenge We're Solving
Military Family Dilemma
Service members and their families face complex education decisions:
- Multiple GI Bill benefit options with different coverage rates
- 15,000+ colleges with varying costs and outcomes
- Geographic constraints due to military assignments
- Need to maximize limited education benefits
- Complex cost-benefit calculations for family planning
Data Complexity Problem
Federal education data presents massive analytical challenges:
- 6,163+ institutions across all 50 states
- 22,000+ cost scenarios (in-state, out-state, programs)
- Multiple funding sources and benefit calculations
- Geographic cost variations requiring spatial analysis
- ROI modeling across different family situations
Our Integrated Solution Approach
Deploy specialized analytics platforms for different aspects of the problem:
Tableau's superior mapping reveals regional cost patterns and opportunities
Power BI's advanced DAX calculations model GI Bill ROI scenarios
Cross-platform workflow leveraging each platform's native strengths
Important Financial Disclaimer
This analytics suite is for educational and informational purposes only. All analysis, calculations, cost projections, and recommendations provided through these dashboards are not certified financial advice and should not be considered as such.
Individual circumstances vary significantly. Actual education costs, GI Bill benefits, financial aid availability, and career outcomes may differ substantially from projections shown. Military education benefits, eligibility requirements, and institutional costs are subject to change.
Data Sources & Assumptions: Analysis based on 2023 Federal Education cost data, $28,563 annual GI Bill coverage (2024-25 rates), 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility, tuition & fees only (excludes housing/books), 5% education cost inflation, 3.2% GI Bill growth, and 36-month benefit limits. Verify current rates at va.gov before decisions.
Always consult with qualified financial advisors, certified education counselors, or military education benefits specialists before making education investment decisions.
Choose Your Analysis Path
New to college cost analysis? Start with Geographic Discovery in Tableau to explore regional patterns.
Ready for detailed planning? Use the state context to jump to Financial Optimization in Power BI for GI Bill ROI calculations.
Want the full experience? Follow the Professional Dual-Platform Workflow below.
Explore Cost Analysis & GI Bill ROI
Select a platform below to analyze college costs and military education benefits in detail.
Dual-Platform Architecture
Tableau Public
Geographic Discovery & Exploration
Purpose: Regional cost pattern discovery and interactive geographic analysis
- Superior mapping and geographic visualization
- Interactive U.S. state-level cost analysis
- 6,163+ institution geographic distribution
- Cost pattern discovery across regions
- Public-facing exploration interface
Power BI Service
Military ROI & Decision Support
Purpose: Specialized military family cost-benefit analysis and decision optimization
- Advanced DAX calculations for ROI modeling
- GI Bill benefit optimization algorithms
- Military-specific cost scenarios (COTSOFF, COTSFAM)
- Decision support workflow design
- Specialized audience targeting
User Journey & Integration Flow
Professional dual-platform workflow leveraging native analytics capabilities
Geographic Discovery
Start with Tableau to explore state-level cost patterns using native geographic visualization and interactive filtering capabilities.
Professional Transition
Navigate to Power BI with state context guidance, then use native platform slicers for focused analysis - embracing each platform's strengths.
Military-Focused ROI
Leverage Power BI's advanced DAX calculations for GI Bill optimization, benefit analysis, and military-specific decision support.
Technical Architecture & Achievements
Cross-Platform Integration
Implemented URL parameter passing and professional navigation between platforms, demonstrating advanced solution architecture principles for enterprise environments.
Constraint Optimization
Overcame Power BI Fabric mapping limitations by strategic platform selection, showcasing problem-solving adaptability and technical constraint management.
Optimal Tool Selection
Maximized each platform's strengths: Tableau for geographic analysis, Power BI for complex financial calculations, demonstrating platform expertise.
Comprehensive Dataset
Single IPEDS dataset powering both platforms: 6,163+ institutions, 22K+ cost scenarios, geographic coverage across all U.S. states.
Experience the Integrated Solution
Explore both platforms to see advanced cross-platform analytics in action. Start with geographic discovery, then transition to specialized military analysis.