I is the sum of the AA and AS degrees awarded by an institution, plus one-half the number of certificates. Measure III is the number of AA completers in Measure I who achieved the degree in 72 or fewer hours. 1996-97 saw large increases in the number of economically disadvantaged students and those needing ESL or ENS courses earning awards. The final area of improvement was in the number and percent of students needing 72 or fewer hours to complete their AA degree.
Fewer hours means cost savings to both the student and the State.
In 1995-96, the number meeting the requirement for Measure III was 7,898.