Common Data Set
The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative 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 combined 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 CDS is organized into the following sections:
- General Information
- Enrollment and Persistence (including retention and graduation rates)
- First-Time, First-Year (Freshman) Admission
- Transfer Admission
- Academic Offerings and Policies
- Student Life
- Annual Expenses (i.e., tuition and fees)
- Financial Aid
- Instructional Faculty and Class Size
- Degrees Conferred
