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.

This goal is attained by the development of clear, standard data items and definitions in order to determine a specific cohort relevant to each item. Data items and definitions used by the U.S. Department of Education in its higher education surveys often serve as a guide in the continued development of the CDS.

2021-2022 Common Data Set

2020-2021 Common Data Set

2019-2020 Common Data Set

2018-2019 Common Data Set

2017-2018 Common Data Set

2016-2017 Common Data Set

2015-2016 Common Data Set

2014-2015 Common Data Set

2013-2014 Common Data Set

2012-2013 Common Data Set

2011-2012 Common Data Set

2010-2011 Common Data Set