Every program has a maximum time frame, that is 1.5 times the standard amount of time needed to complete the program, if a student “normally” progresses. Normal progression refers to students who take the course load specified by the program’s course sequencing and maintain at least the minimum GPA allowed by that program for progression. For example, a program of nursing has a curriculum for an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that is four (4) semesters long for students who progress “normally”.
For that ADN program, if we looked a cohort admitted in the Fall (i.e. a set of students who all began the program at the same time for the first time), we would consider students who graduate within the specified 4 semesters to have graduated on time (100%). If any of those students graduate need additional time, for example, graduates once 6 semesters are completed, then they have still graduated within the maximum time frame allowed for graduation (150%).
Note: If a student takes a break from their program and later resumes it, regardless of the reason, then that student is still considered part of the original cohort for that program.
Example of Associate Degree Programs that Admit New Students Twice Each Year
Calculating Graduation Rates |
Fall 2017 | Spring 2018 | Fall 2018 | Spring 2019 |
Spring 2018 | Fall 2018 | Spring 2019 | Fall 2019 |
Fall 2018 | Spring 2019 | Fall 2019 | Spring 2020 |
Spring 2019 | Fall 2019 | Spring 2020 | Fall 2020 |
On time Completion and/or Graduation | On time Completion and/or Graduation | On time Completion and/or Graduation | On time Completion and/or Graduation |
Fall 2019 | Spring 2020 | Fall 2020 | Spring 2021 |
Spring 2020 | Fall 2020 | Spring 2021 | Fall 2021 |
1.5 Program completion allowance per regulation | 1.5 Program completion allowance per regulation | 1.5 Program completion allowance per regulation | 1.5 Program completion allowance per regulation |
The above table looks at an example Associate Degree Nursing program that is four semesters in length (for normal progression) and admits twice yearly. If a student enters the program in Fall 2017, on time completion would happen upon the conclusion of Spring 2019. If the student completes the program in semester 5 (Fall 2019) or semester 6 (Spring 2020), that student would still complete the program within the allowed 1.5 maximum time frame. In this example, the program’s graduation rate would decrease should any students complete the program at any point after semester 7 begins.