Statistical & Qualitative Data Analysis Software: About SAS

What is SAS?

SAS is a command-driven software package used for statistical analysis and data visualization. It is available only for Windows operating systems. It is arguably one of the most widely used statistical software packages in both industry and academia.

Why use SAS?

• Enormous array of statistical methods and algorithms, especially for advanced statistics.
• Highly customizable analysis options and output options.
• Publication-quality graphics with ODS.
• Widely used in many fields, including business and medicine.
• Large, active online community.

What file types are typically associated with SAS?

• *.sas - A SAS script.
• *.sas7bdat - A SAS data file.
• *.sd7 - SAS Version 8.2 dataset.
• *.sd2 - SAS Version 6 for Windows dataset.
• *.ssd01 - SAS Version 6 for Unix dataset.
• *.xpt - Transport file.

What version of SAS does Kent State currently use?

As of August 2021, Kent State uses SAS 9.4. Note that SAS is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

For Mac Users

If you are a Mac user and are enrolled in a course that uses SAS, your professor may instruct you to use SAS OnDemand for Academics. SAS OnDemand for Academics is a cloud-based service accessed through your browser, and is free to use (but requires creating an account). For most users, SAS ODA will be sufficient; however, it does lack some specialized statistics available in the version of SAS 9.4 licensed by Kent State. You can check out our tutorial on how to start using SAS OnDemand for Academics, or check out the official SAS OnDemand for Academics website .

Note: Previously, Mac users could use SAS University Edition. This software was discontinued in July 2021. Existing SAS University users should switch to SAS OnDemand for Academics. See the SAS website for instructions on switching from SAS University Edition to SAS ODA .

Kent State University maintains a university-wide, limited seat license for SAS. All currently-employed faculty and staff, as well as currently-enrolled students are eligible to request a copy of SAS at no charge. The Division of Information Technology currently distributes SAS 9.4 software and licenses. SAS licenses must be renewed yearly. Note that SAS is only available for Windows operating systems.

University-Owned Computers

Please contact your local support person to receive a copy of the software or to renew your existing license.

• Kent campus departments - local desktop support contacts
• Regional campuses - local desktop support contacts

Personally-Owned Computers

Faculty/Staff/Currently enrolled students

Visit software.kent.edu to download a copy of the software or renew your license.

If you encounter problems while installing SAS, you may bring your computer to the Tri-Towers Tech Help desk. Please see the Tech Help Desk Services and Hours before visiting.

For Mac Users

Mac users who do not wish to use virtualization software to run the Windows operating system on their Macs may be interested in SAS OnDemand for Academics. SAS OnDemand for Academics is free, but is not distributed by the university. Individuals wanting to use SAS OnDemand for Academics should follow the instructions on the SAS website to create their account and begin using the platform.

SAS Tips

• If you're looking for help using a specific SAS procedure (such as PROC REG), use the search terms "sas proc reg". This will usually retrieve tutorials geared towards that specific procedure.
• If you know the statistic or method you want but aren't sure what SAS procedure to use, try searching for "SAS" and the name of the statistical method (e.g. "SAS linear regression", "SAS mixed models", "SAS descriptive statistics").
  • In some cases, there may be more than one procedure that can perform a certain analysis.

Recommended Tutorials

Recommended Books

SAS Documentation

Customer Support