Common Data Set

The following reports have been made publicly available by the Office of Planning and Assessment.

The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative is a "A set of standards and definitions of data items" common to universities. The CDS gives information on topics including demographics, enrollment, persistence, financial aid, and degrees conferred. The 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.

Annually universities and colleges across the country prepare a common data set using the agreed to common definitions. Common Data Set content areas include (1) General Information, (2) Enrollment and Persistence, (3) First-time First-Year (Freshman) Admission, (4) Transfer Admission, (5) Academic Offerings and Policies, (6) Student Life, (7) Annual Expenses, (8) Financial Aid, (9) Instructional Faculty and Class Size, and (10) Degrees Conferred.