Error 78 – Program Length Too Long

Transcript

Welcome to the tutorial on SSCR error code 78.

Per the NSLDS, SSCR error code 78 is caused by a Published Program Length that is too long. This error typically occurs in two situations: First, when a number appears in the wrong place within a data field and second when the length is too long after NSLDS converts the length into years.

This chart from the NSLDS reporting guide shows the minimum and maximum program lengths for each credential level.

The first scenario for sscr error code 78 occurs when a number appears in the wrong place within the data field. Program lengths should be reported in the six-digit format with an implied decimal between the third and fourth digits. To resolve SSCR error code 78 in this scenario, update Published Program Length to the correct program length using the six-digit format.

Here is an example of error code 78 where there is a number in the wrong place in the data field. The program length is listed as 024000 or 24 years.

If we look at the chart from the NSLDS guide, this length is too long.

The second scenario for SSCR error code 78 occurs due to the NSLDS conversion to years for all programs. Regardless of how a program is reported, NSLDS converts all programs to years. The fields used in this calculation are program length, program length measurement, and number of weeks in the academic year. The formula used in this conversion is listed on the screen. To resolve the error code 78 in this scenario, use the formula to determine the correct program length and update the program as needed to reflect it.

Here is an example of error code 78 where the NSLDS conversion shows the program length is too long. After converting the program length of 96 months with 30 weeks in the academic year to years, the length is 13.71 years.

If we look at the chart from the NSLDS guide, this length is too long.

Now we will go over how to review and correct a student’s record.

Under the ‘NSLDS Reporting’ tab, the most recent report's at the top of the list. Click on the hyperlinked number under the ‘# of Students with Errors’ column to access the list of students with errors.

This will bring you to the list of students with errors. Click on the hyperlinked SSN for the student with error code 78 that needs to be corrected.

The next page will show the student’s editable record. Update the Published Length, Length Measurement, and Weeks in Title IV Academic Year as needed to reflect the correct program length. After updating the student record as needed, click the green ‘Submit’ button to send the record to the Clearinghouse for processing.

For additional assistance correcting SSCR error code 78, please reach out to us at SSCRerrors@studentclearinghouse.org.