How is the overall score calculated?

The table below summarizes the minimum overall score required for each STARS rating:

STARS 3.0

An institution’s overall score is based on the percentage of points it earns by pursuing relevant credits across Academics (AC), Engagement (EN), Operations (OP), and Planning & Administration (PA). Credits that are not applicable to an institution do not count against its score. An institution may also earn up to 10 Innovation & Leadership (IL) points for exemplary and path-breaking initiatives. These bonus points are added to the total number of points earned.

Scoring formula

A = Total points earned across AC, EN, OP, PA and IL
B = Total points available across AC, EN, OP, and PA

Formula: (A+B)/C*100 = STARS score

Scoring example

• Model Community College earned 115 points out of 250 points available across Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning & Administration.
• The college also earned 10 Innovation & Leadership points, which were added to the points earned across AC, EN, OP and PA, for a total of 125 points.
• The college’s percentage based score is 50, making it eligible for a Silver rating.

STARS 2.2

An institution’s STARS score is based on the percentage of points it earns by pursuing relevant credits across the four main categories: Academics (AC), Engagement (EN), Operations (OP) and Planning & Administration (PA).  In addition, an institution may earn up to four Innovation & Leadership (IN) points for exemplary and path-breaking initiatives that are not covered by other STARS credits or that exceed the highest criterion of a standard credit. 

Scoring formula

A = Total points earned across AC, EN, OP, and PA
B = Total points available across AC, EN, OP, and PA
C = Innovation points earned (maximum 4)

Formula: (A/B*100)+C = STARS score

Scoring Example

• Model Community College earned 90 points out of a total of 180 points available. Therefore, the percentage of available points earned is 50.
• The college also claimed 2 Innovation & Leadership points, which are added to the percentage of points earned.
• The college’s overall STARS score is 52, making it eligible for a Silver rating.