The common data set (CDS), frequently referenced in the higher education community, is a fall semester statistical snapshot.

The CDS snapshot represents an annual collaborative effort among the higher education community and publishers: College Board, Peterson’s and U.S. News & World Report. The stated goal of the CDS is to provide accurate and timely data to students and their families, as well as to ease the reporting burden on data providers.

Common Data Set (CDS) Contents

  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
  10. Degrees Conferred

GGC Common Data Set (CDS)