Common Data Set

Overview

The Common Data Set (CDS) is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers, including the College Board, Peterson's, and U.S. News & World Report. The primary goal of this collaboration is to improve the quality and accuracy of information provided to students, institutions, and stakeholders while reducing the reporting burden on data providers.

Standardization and Development

This goal is achieved through the development of clear, standard data items and definitions, ensuring consistency in reporting. Data items and definitions used by the U.S. Department of Education in its higher education surveys often serve as a guide for CDS development. Common Data Set items undergo broad review by secondary schools and two- and four-year colleges. Additionally, feedback from users of the CDS is considered during the annual review process.

Structure and Implementation

The CDS consists of standardized data definitions rather than a survey instrument or database. Each higher education survey conducted by participating publishers incorporates CDS items while including proprietary questions specific to each organization. Consequently, publisher surveys vary in the number of CDS items they utilize.

Usage and Compliance

Colleges and universities reporting data are encouraged to adhere to CDS definitions and specified cohorts when responding to items. Institutions are also urged to utilize their CDS responses when completing other survey requests by sharing photocopies, posting them online, or using other effective distribution methods.

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