Updates to CDS 2025–2026 Templates and Supporting Files

[Ashley Robinson-Spann]

Dear CDS Listserv Members,

The attached files have been updated to reflect several important changes for the 2025–2026 Common Data Set cycle.

Summary of Updates

• Section G (Tuition and Fees):
  • Tuition years have been updated in the Questions on Tab G, the Answer List on Tab G, and on the Answer Sheet tab.
• Section B (Enrollment and Persistence):
  • The final retention rate question (B22) has been updated to refer to the Fall 2024 entering class.
  • Corresponding updates have been made in the Answer List on Tab B and the Answer Sheet tab.
• Mapping Guidance:
  • Updated to reflect the new year references for both Section G and Section B questions.
• Summary of Changes:
  • Revised to include all of the above updates.
• Word Template:
  • Dates for B22 and section G have been updated.
  • An issue with text appearing has also been fixed in Section A. If you encounter other instances of text not appearing, please check that the font color is set to automatic. 

FAQ

Do I need to use the new template?
No. You can continue using your current version—just update the years accordingly.

Will there be any more updates?
I sure hope not.

Where is the fillable PDF?
Peterson’s is working on it. However, the purpose of the Answer Sheet is that it aligns the Excel and Word tag structures with the PDF (except for the new questions, since I don’t yet have their tag information).
This means you should be able to:

• Create a CSV to share with publishers, or
• Use ChatGPT, Python, R, or another scripting language to transfer your responses into a PDF using the same tag labels.

How do I do that?
The process is described in the Cross-Template Mapping file, though it doesn’t cover every step or possible nuance. AI tools can be very helpful in exploring automation options suited to your workflow.

When will the website be updated?
I don't know, but someone will update you when it is.

Why is this a mess every year?
Because I am Sisyphus, and this is my boulder.

Thank you for your patience, diligence, and sense of humor as we keep the CDS process running smoothly.

Ashley Robinson-Spann, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Higher Education
College Board