An issues-oriented framework for selecting data to support typical state-level planning analyses is presented. Attention is focused on questions concerning the planning issues, and the general data requirements required to support a given state's analytical questions and decision requirements. State-level planning issues in postsecondary education that have been identified as common to all states are covered. A table links issue categories, analytical questions for each issue, applicable data, and examples of data uses. Cross-references are made to the appropriate page in the data section. The data section provides separate pages for each type of data, and includes descriptions of the data, potential uses, and available sources (in either published or machine-readable form). Another section describes available sources for the categories of population information, elementary/secondary information, and the Higher Education General Information Survey and other postsecondary education surveys; sample tables, forms, and surveys are included. A glossary presents standard definitions and categories. Appended is detailed information regarding particular state-level developmental issues, including cost information for state planning, and classifications structures for institutions and programs. (SW)