The Common Data Set (CDS) is a product of the Common Data Set Initiative, "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."
It is also used in public accountability efforts such as the Voluntary System of Accountability's College Portrait. The CDS provides core institutional data and is published annually towards the end of the fall term (with some content being updated during the spring).