Common Data Set (CDS)

The Wheaton College Office of Institutional Research completes the common data set each fall for external reporting. 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. (Source: Common Data Set Initiative). Wheaton College has an archive of past common data sets going back to 1996, which are available on request.