The Common Data Set (CDS) is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers as represented by the College Board, Peterson's, U.S.News & World Report, and the Wintergreen/Orchard House. The combined goal of this effort 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 a set of standards and definitions of data items. Each of the higher education surveys conducted by the above publishers incorporates the items from the CDS as well as unique items proprietary to the publisher. Fairfield University completes the CDS in the fall of each year with October 1 being the census date.
If you have any questions on the CDS items or answers, please email us.
