Common Data Set
2008-2009
The Common Data Set (CDS) is a collaborative effort between publishers and the educational community 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 burden on colleges of compiling and reporting information. The goal is to develop clear, standard questions and definitions to determine the specific cohort to which each question relates, while refraining from the compilation of a single survey instrument or universal set of survey questions. Questions and definitions used by the U.S. Department of Education in its college surveys are a guide in the development of CDS items. Common Data Set items undergo broad review by secondary schools and two-and four-year colleges.
Those who report data for their colleges are urged to abide by the definitions and the cohorts specified when answering CDS items. They are also urged to use the answers to CDs items when responding to the numerous survey requests they receive, by distributing photocopies of their answers, posting them on their web sites, or by other effective means.
Table of Contents
(Use tabs along bottom of this workbook)
CDS-A	General Information
CDS-B	Enrollment and Persistence
CDS-C	First-time first-year (freshmen) admissions
CDS-D	Transfer admissions
CDS-E	Academic Offerings and Policies
CDS-F	Student Life
CDS-G	Annual Expenses
CDS-H	Financial Aid
CDS-I	Instructional Faculty
CDS-J	Degrees Conferred
CDS Definitions	Glossary of terms
CDS Changes	Summary of significant changes to the CDS for 2008-09