70% Rule Explained
The 70% Rule is part of a Common Course Numbering System (CCNS), such as the one used in Wyoming, which allows for the easy transfer of undergraduate
credits between institutions. The 70% rule specifies that for a course to be considered equivalent and receive a
common course number, it must contain at tleast 70% similar content and learning outcomes
to a corresponding course at another college.
How the 70% Rule Works in a Common Course Numbering System
1. Identical Courses
The CCNS creates a consistent numbering system so that if a course is identical across
multiple colleges, it will have the same common number.
2. Equivalent Courses
If a course isn't identical, it can still be deemed equivalent if it meets a specific
threshold of shared content.
3. The 70% Threshold
The "70% Rule" is that specific threshold. A department head, for instance, approves a course as equivalent if it shares at least
70% of its content and intended outcomes with the course at a partner institution.
4. Benefits for Students
This system simplifies course transfers, minimizes the loss of time, resources, and
credits for students transferring between participating institutions.
5. Purpose
The overarching goal is to streamline the transfer process and improve student success
by making it easier to understand course equivalencies and plan degrees across different
colleges within a state.
