The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers. 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. The goal is attained by the development of clear, standard data items as well as definitions to determine a specific cohort relevant to each item. Often, data items and definitions used by the U.S. Department of Education in its higher education surveys serve as a guide in the development of the CDS. As such, the CDS survey items have been strictly defined to collect common or comparable data from colleges and universities.

Current Year - 2010-11

A. General Information

B. Enrollment and Persistence

• Persistence
• Graduation Rates
• Retention Rates

C. First-time, First-year (Freshman) Admission

• Applications
• Admission Requirements
• Basis for Selection
• SAT and ACT Policies
• Freshman Profile
• Admission Policies
• Early Decision and Early Action Plans

D. Transfer Admission

• Fall applicants
• Application for Admission
• Transfer Credit Policies

E. Academic Offerings and Policies

• Library Collections

F. Student Life

G. Annual Expenses

H. Financial Aid

• Aid Awarded to Enrolled Undergraduates
• Aid to Undergraduate Degree-seeking Nonresident Alien
• Process for First-Year/Freshman Students
• Type of Aid Available

I. Instructional Faculty and Class Size

J. Degrees Conferred

Common Data Set 2010-11 Definitions


2010-2011 Complete Common Data Set