(a)

1. (1) Affordability of a credential is impacted by the length of time it takes a student to earn a credential.
2. (2) Measures should encourage students to complete credentials on time, generally two (2) years for an associate’s degree.

(b)

1. (1) The time to degree metric is weighted at fifty percent (50%) of the affordability category.
2. (2) The metric incudes the average of the number of students who graduated within the recommended timeframe for associate degrees over the most recent three (3) academic years.
3. (3) On time is defined as twenty-four (24) months for associate degrees.

4. (4) The metric also recognizes students who complete their degree within:

   1. (A) Twenty-five percent (25%) of on-time completion (up to thirty (30) months for associate degrees); and
   2. (B) Fifty percent (50%) of on-time completion (up to thirty-six (36) months for associate degrees).

5. (5) Allowances will be made for degree programs that require more than twenty-four (24) months to complete due to:

   1. (A) External accreditation;
   2. (B) Professional licensure requirements; or
   3. (C) Statewide articulation agreements.
6. (6) The Division of Higher Education will review and approve the request for allowances. Weighting specifications – Time to degree

   On-Time Completion	1.0
   Within 25% of On-Time Completion	0.875
   Within 50% of On-Time Completion	0.4

(c) Credits at completion.

1. (1) Similar to time to degree, measuring the affordability of a credential also includes measuring the number of credit hours a student completes toward that credential.
2. (2) Students whose credit hour accumulation is at or near the minimum number required for a credential pay less in tuition and fees, thus, making the credential more affordable.

(d)

1. (1) The credits at completion metric is weighted at fifty percent (50%) of the affordability category.
2. (2) The metric incudes the average of the number of students who graduated within the scheduled number of credits completed for associate degrees over the most recent three (3) academic years.
3. (3) On schedule is defined as sixty (60) credit hours for associate degrees.

4. (4) The metric also recognizes students who complete their degree within:

   1. (A) Ten percent (10%) of on-schedule completion (up to sixty-six (66) credit hours for associate degrees); and
   2. (B) Twenty-five percent (25%) of on-schedule completion (up to seventy-five (75) credit hours for associate degrees).

5. (5) Allowances will be made for degree programs that require more than sixty (60) credit hours to complete due to:

   1. (A) External accreditation;
   2. (B) Professional licensure requirements; or
   3. (C) Statewide articulation agreements.
6. (6) The division will review and approve the request for allowances. Weighting specifications – Credits at completion

   On Schedule	1.00
   Within 10% of On Schedule Completion	0.875
   Within 25% of On Schedule Completion	0.4