The Catholic University of America

Common Data Set

The Common Data Set (CDS) is a collaborative effort between publishers and the higher education community to improve the quality and consistency of information reported in college guide books.  The CDS consists of a series of standard data items and definitions that are compiled annually by all participating institutions.  Each of the higher education surveys conducted by the participating publishers incorporates items from the CDS as well as unique items proprietary to each publisher.  Consequently, the publishers' surveys differ in that they utilize varying numbers of items from the CDS.  Participating publishers include: The College Board, Peterson's, and U.S. News and World Report.

Common Data Set Definitions

Common Data Set 2012

Section A: General Information
Section B: Enrollment and Persistence
Section C: First-Time, First-Year (Freshmen) Admission
Section D: Transfer Admission
Section E: Academic Offerings and Policies
Section F: Student Life
Section G: Annual Expenses 
Section H: Financial Aid
Section I: Instructional Faculty and Class Size 
Section J: Degrees Conferred

 

Common Data Set 2011

Section A: General Information
Section B: Enrollment and Persistence
Section C: First-Time, First-Year (Freshmen) Admission
Section D: Transfer Admission
Section E: Academic Offerings and Policies
Section F: Student Life
Section G: Annual Expenses 
Section H: Financial Aid
Section I: Instructional Faculty and Class Size 
Section J: Degrees Conferred

 

Common Data Set 2010

Section A: General Information
Section B: Enrollment and Persistence
Section C: First-Time, First-Year (Freshmen) Admission
Section D: Transfer Admission
Section E: Academic Offerings and Policies
Section F: Student Life
Section G: Annual Expenses 
Section H: Financial Aid
Section I: Instructional Faculty and Class Size 
Section J: Degrees Conferred

 

Common Data Set 2009

Section A: General Information
Section B: Enrollment and Persistence
Section C: First-Time, First-Year (Freshmen) Admission
Section D: Transfer Admission
Section E: Academic Offerings and Policies
Section F: Student Life
Section G: Annual Expenses 
Section H: Financial Aid
Section I: Instructional Faculty and Class Size 
Section J: Degrees Conferred

 

Common Data Set 2008

Section A: General Information
Section B: Enrollment and Persistence
Section C: First-Time, First-Year (Freshmen) Admission
Section D: Transfer Admission
Section E: Academic Offerings and Policies
Section F: Student Life
Section G: Annual Expenses
Section H: Financial Aid
Section I: Instructional Faculty and Class Size
Section J: Degrees Conferred

 

Common Data Set 2007

Section A: General Information
Section B: Enrollment and Persistence
Section C: First-Time, First-Year (Freshmen) Admission
Section D: Transfer Admission
Section E: Academic Offerings and Policies
Section F: Student Life
Section G: Annual Expenses
Section H: Financial Aid
Section I: Instructional Faculty and Class Size
Section J: Degrees Conferred