SPFS Calculation Guide

Master the math behind the School Performance Fact Sheet. Completion rates, placement rates, and median loan debt formulas explained.

What is a School Performance Fact Sheet (SPFS)?

The School Performance Fact Sheet (SPFS) is a consumer protection document required by the BPPE. Think of it as the “nutrition label” for your educational program. It discloses critical performance data so students can make informed decisions before enrolling.

Every approved institution must publish an SPFS for each educational program offered.

When Must SPFS Be Provided?

The Golden Rule: The SPFS must be provided to a prospective student prior to the execution of the enrollment agreement.

  • Website: It must be easily accessible on your school’s website (usually in the footer or on the program page).
  • Admissions: Admissions staff must review it with the student.
  • Signatures: The student must initial each section and sign the final page to acknowledge receipt.

Completion Rate Calculation

Formula

Completion Rate = (Number of Graduates) ÷ (Students Available for Graduation) x 100
  • Number of Graduates: Students who completed the program within 100% of the published program length.
  • Students Available for Graduation: The starting cohort minus “unavailable” students (death, incarceration, active military duty).

Example Calculation

  • Program: Medical Assistant (12-month)
  • Starting Enrollment: 100 students
  • Exclusions (Military/Health): -7 students
  • Students Available: 93 students
  • Graduates: 72 students

Calculation: 72 ÷ 93 = 0.774 Completion Rate: 77%

Placement Rate Calculation

The School Performance Fact Sheet (SPFS) is a consumer protection document required by the BPPE. Think of it as the “nutrition label” for your educational program. It discloses critical performance data so students can make informed decisions before enrolling.

Every approved institution must publish an SPFS for each educational program offered.

Formula

Placement Rate = (Graduates Employed in the Field) ÷ (Graduates Available for Employment) x 100
  • Graduates Available for Employment: The total number of graduates minus those who are unavailable (death, incarceration, military, or continuing education).
  • Graduates Employed in the Field: Graduates who are gainfully employed in a single position for which the institution has represented the program prepares the graduate.

Example Calculation

  • Total Graduates: 72 students
  • Continued Education: -8 students
  • Health Issues: -2 students
  • Available for Employment: 62 students
  • Employed in Field: 48 students

Critical Warning: You must have backup documentation (employer name, contact info, position) for every single graduate counted as employed.

Median Loan Debt Calculation

You must disclose the Median Institutional Loan Debt and Median Federal Loan Debt of graduates.

  • Method: Rank the loan debt of each graduate from lowest to highest. The median is the middle number.
  • Note: If you do not participate in federal financial aid, you must clearly state that.

Common SPFS Mistakes

  • Using Wrong Dates: Reporting periods must match the BPPE’s specific calendar requirements (usually two years prior).
  • Including Ineligible Students: Counting a student as “placed” when they are working in an unrelated field (e.g., a coding grad working as a waiter).
  • Missing Backup Documentation: Failing to keep the employment verification forms. If you can’t prove it, it didn’t happen.
  • Rounding Errors: BPPE requires specific rounding rules. Be consistent.

Getting Help

SPFS calculations are high-stakes. One error can trigger citations, fines, and audits.

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