Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP)

The CIP code process for NMHED serves as a critical data coding system that enables and facilitates many of the crucial functions of the Department. These functions include research as well as the distribution of the funding formula ($640 million) to the institutions. All New Mexico institutions of higher education that receive state funding participate by coding all classes for credit as well as all degrees and certificates.  For more information click here.

Research

Examples of research questions that accurate CIP code degree and course assignments allow are nearly limitless but have data implications in such areas as, but not limited to:

• Demographic questions (i.e., Ethnicity, Sex, Age, Geography) 
• Socio-Economic questions (i.e., Financial Aid, Poverty Rates, Country of Origin)
• Workforce Solutions (i.e., Green Energy, Technology, Workforce supply/demand) 
• Academic (i.e., Dual Credit, P-20 Articulation, Developmental Education, Core classes)

 Funding Formula

The New Mexico Higher Education funding formula is designed to equitably distribute hundreds of millions of dollars. The formula is a complex execution of a simple equation: (students) x (credit hours) x (tier funding level of courses). CIP codes are assigned to each course. Courses are mapped to one of three tiers by the designated CIP code. CIP code assignments combined with student ID numbers allow for an accurate distribution of New Mexico's higher education funding.