I thought the same about TESC or Excelsior...Excelsior charges almost $300/credit for their online course, so I emmediately dismissed them as an option now. I am deciding to go with either TESC or Empire State. I most likely will choose Empire State because I am in NY and could get much more aid if I go there. I never heard of COSC until now (I am new on here) so I will look into them now too! Good Luck!