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.

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.

Please review the definitions of CDS here.

Common Data Set 2023-2024 (pdf)

Common DataSet 2022-2023 (pdf)

Common DataSet 2021-2022 (pdf)

Common DataSet 2020-2021(pdf)

CommonDataSet 2019-2020(pdf)

CommonDataSet 2018-2019(pdf)

CommonDataSet 2017-2018(pdf)

Common Data Set 2016-2017(pdf)

Common Data Set 2015-2016(pdf)

Common Data Set 2014-2015(pdf)

Common Data Set 2013-2014(pdf)

Common Data Set 2012-2013(pdf)

Common Data Set 2011-2012(pdf)

Common Data Set 2010-2011(pdf)

Common Data Set 2009-2010(pdf)

Common Data Set 2008-2009(pdf)