Wisconsin's Youth Options Program -- Private Institution Per Credit Amount

2007-2008 Private Institution Per Credit Amount (Final)

Section 118.55(5)(c), Wis. Stats., specifies how to calculate the amount a school board must pay a private institution of higher education when their students participate there under the Youth Options Program. The lesser of the following must be paid within 30 days after the end of the semester:

1. The actual cost of tuition, fees, books and other necessary materials directly related to the course.

2. An amount determined by dividing the state total net cost of the general fund in the previous school year by the state total membership in the previous school year, dividing that quotient by the statewide average number of high school credits taken by full-time pupils in the previous school year, as determined by the state superintendent, and multiplying that quotient by the number of high school credits taken by the pupil at the private institution of higher education, as determined under sub.(3)(b). In this subdivision, 'net cost' has the meaning given in s. 121.004(6), and 'membership' has the meaning given in s. 121.004(5).

Based on 2006-2007 average general fund net costs per membership of $8,780, the payment for one credit in 2007-2008 is $293 to private institutions on a semester basis and $195 to private institutions operating on a quarter basis.

Assumptions Used:

High school credits per year assumed to be 5.5 based on four years to complete 22 credits required for graduation.

"Institution of higher education" credit load assumed to be 15 per semester or quarter (30 per year for semester-based schools, and 45 per year for quarter-based schools).

State average net cost of the general fund for 2006-2007 is $8,780 based on costs and memberships as of October 15, 2007. Cost and membership is consistent with that used to produce the October certification of 2007-2008 general aid payments.

Computation of Per Credit Payment:

Type of Payment Semester Basis Quarter Basis

2007-2008 NCGF/Member $8,780 $8,780

2006-2007 Cost/H.S. Credit
(8,780 / 5.5 per year) $1,596 $1,596

"College" Credit Equivalent to
1 High School Credit 5.45
(30 / 5.5) 8.18
(45 / 5.5)

Payment for 1 Credit at a private
institution of higher education $293
(1,596 / 5.45) $195
(1,596 / 8.18)

CONTACT: Beth Lewis, 608-267-1062.

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For questions about this information, contact Beth E. Lewis (608) 267-1062

Last updated on 2/26/2008 1:17:17 PM