Common Data Set (CDS): Annual Update & How It’s Used by Publishers

Session Abstract: This session will provide the annual update on the Common Data Set (CDS) initiative. We will cover the final 2024-2025 CDS template revisions, review new or clarified definitions (especially those driven by recent IPEDS or regulatory changes), and present case studies on how CDS data is leveraged—or potentially misused—by the primary publishing partners (College Board, Peterson’s, U.S. News & World Report) for high-stakes products like college rankings, student search, and data licensing.

Institutional Research and data professionals rely on the CDS for efficient data reporting and to ensure the integrity of their institution's public profile. Attending this session is essential for proactively understanding compliance requirements, minimizing reporting burden, and safeguarding institutional data accuracy in critical, high-visibility contexts (like the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.

Keywords: Common Data Set, CDS, U.S. News & World Report, Petersons, College Board, Survey