The following words as used in this subdivision shall be construed as follows: I. "Commission" means the higher education commission established in RSA 21-N:8-a. II. "Higher learning" means studies which are more advanced or difficult than those prevalently offered in a secondary school and which are creditable toward an academic or professional degree. III. "Degree" means the formal recognition of a stage of progress in the pursuit of higher learning, including the associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, professional, or other award, diploma or the equivalent under any other designation.