Common Data Set
The Common Data Set (CDS) is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers as represented by the College Board, Peterson’s, and U.S. News & World Report. The goal of this collaboration is to improve the quality and accuracy of information provided to all involved in a student’s transition into higher education, as well as to reduce the reporting burden on data providers.
The following data are covered in separate sections in the CDS: Campus Information; Enrollment, Graduation and Retention; Application And Admission, Transfer Admissions, Academic Offerings; Student Life; Annual Expenses; Financial Aid, Instructional Faculty; and Degrees Conferred.
Those who report data for their colleges are urged to abide by the definitions and the cohorts specified when answering CDS items. They are also urged to use the answers to CDS items when responding to the numerous survey requests they receive, by distributing photocopies of their answers, posting them on their websites, or by other effective means.