The utility of data from the Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) in making institutional comparisons between Maryland institutions and peer institutions is discussed. The Maryland State Board for Higher Education makes institutional comparisons as part of its studies on peer institutions. Information is provided on differences among states and among institutions in reporting on four of the HEGIS forms: finance, faculty salaries, enrollment, and degrees-awarded. Attention is directed to the following problems of comparability with HEGIS data: universe definition, funding differences, and reporting problems. The analysis is based on discussions with representatives from California, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Maryland. The majority of problems were related to the HEGIS finance forms. However, the problems associated with the use of HEGIS data in comparing institutions do not negate the use of HEGIS data. Suggestions are offered for changing the instructions to the HEGIS finance form to enhance the usefulness of information for researchers and others using these data. (SW)