What is the College Common Data Set CCDS

Posted On Jan 19, 2023 |

Understanding a university's enrollment, retention, graduation rates, academic profile, demographics, faculty, affordability, and more


The College Common Data Set (CCDS) is a standardized report that provides detailed information about a college or university's enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and other important data points. The CCDS is used by many colleges and universities to provide a consistent and standardized way of reporting data, making it easier for students and families to compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend college.

One of the most important data points reported in the CCDS is enrollment. This includes information about the total number of students enrolled at the institution, as well as the number of full-time and part-time students. It also includes data on the demographic makeup of the student body, including information on the gender, race, and ethnicity of the students.

Another important data point reported in the CCDS is retention. This includes information on the percentage of students who return to the institution after their first year, as well as the percentage of students who graduate within a certain timeframe. This data can be used to gauge the overall success of the institution in terms of student retention and graduation rates.

The CCDS also includes information on the academic profile of the student body. This includes data on the average SAT and ACT scores of incoming students, as well as the average high school GPA. This information can be used to compare the academic profile of the student body at different institutions and to get a sense of the level of academic preparedness of incoming students.

Another important data point reported in the CCDS is financial aid. This includes information on the types of financial aid available, as well as the average amount of aid awarded to students. This information can be used to compare the financial aid packages offered by different institutions and to get a sense of the overall affordability of the institution.

The CCDS also includes information on the faculty at the institution. This includes data on the number of full-time and part-time faculty, as well as information on the qualifications and credentials of the faculty. This information can be used to gauge the overall quality and experience of the faculty at the institution.

In conclusion, the College Common Data Set (CCDS) is a valuable resource for students and families as they research and compare colleges and universities. The CCDS provides detailed information on enrollment, retention, graduation rates, academic profile, financial aid and faculty, allowing students to make informed decisions about where to attend college. It is important for students and families to review and understand the data provided in the CCDS, as it can help them determine the best fit institution for them.

Categories: college admissions

About the Author

Christen is the founder of Hive Education. She is passionate about helping families navigate the college application and admissions processes. She helps students set goals to work towards their own debt-free degrees with her personalized scholarship searches, scholarship courses, and by sharing her scholarship strategies that won her over $900,000 in for her own college education. With four years of experience in higher education, two years working with teens in inner city high schools in New Orleans, and starting her first college consulting company during a pandemic in 2020 she strives to make college accessible for everyone, especially for first generation, low income, and minority students. In her spare time she loves to share her love for books with her daughters. You can find her on Facebook.

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