The Common Data Set (CDS) Initiative is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers as represented by the College Board, Peterson's, and U.S. News & World Report. 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.

Each year numerous publishers of college guides and other information on colleges send lengthy surveys to colleges and universities to collect statistical data. In an effort to standardize and reduce the amount of paperwork required, publishers and the educational community have collaborated to produce a common format (the Common Data Set) for much of the data requested.

For additional information, please contact oir@fit.edu.