Charter Oak needs to update its tuition comparison

[sanantone]

It's nothing big, but I noticed that Charter Oak is still listing Excelsior's tuition rate as $390 per credit hour. That is way off. They have been charging $425 per credit hour for awhile and are about to charge $465. They have to do all they can to make themselves look competitive even if they can't compete with TESC's Comprehensive Tuition Plan.
Affordable Tuition and Fees - Charter Oak State College

[soliloquy]

I think it's competitive if you only have a few classes left. In my case, COSC was definitely cheaper than TESC which was one of the deciding factors. But, yes they need to update. They all seem a little off. They have Capella listed at 540 but Capella's website says $305 - $360. http://www.capella.edu/tuition-financial...tion-fees/

[sanantone]

And, Capella is on the quarter hour system, so you can't do a direct, per-credit comparison.

[Dr John]

I chose COSC over TESC because of the fees. It was cheaper to enroll in COSC with the per semester fees then to have to come up with a few thousand dollars all at once. TESC is a great school, but it is geared more for people using financial aid then for people paying out of pocket. Of course this only my opinion based on what little knowledge I do have about TESC.

I think COSC needs to update and redo their comparison, they need to do a true, honest apple to apples comparison to other schools, both in-state and out of state per credit rates. Of course I think they could make themselves more competitive by simply dropping the out of state tuition and charging everyone in-state tuition.

[sanantone]

Obviously, COSC's tuition comparison is for those looking to take courses in residence. Those looking to test out of more than 90% of the required credits are in the small minority. For non-residents, TESC charges a flat rate of $8395 for up to 36 credits (this includes TECEPs and PLAs). That's $233.19 per credit hour with no enrollment fee. The Charter Oak website is not coming up for me right now, but if I recall correctly, 36 credits will cost over $12,000. That's not even including the semester fees. Excelsior is $15,300 not including the enrollment or annual fees. Soon, 36 credits at Excelsior will cost $16,740.

TESC created the Per Credit Tuition Plan for those looking to work slowly and pay out of pocket. Even though the enrollment fee is gone, the cost per credit does go up to $476 per credit hour. However, the TECEPs are still $108 for non-residents. Using TECEPs to meet the residency requirements under this plan makes TESC's fees for those looking to almost completely test out lower than the fees at EC and COSC. I made a thread comparing the costs. IIRC, COSC is currently more expensive than EC for those looking to transfer in everything they can.

[bricabrac]

Obviously, COSC's tuition comparison is for those looking to take courses in residence. Those looking to test out of more than 90% of the required credits are in the small minority. For non-residents, TESC charges a flat rate of $8395 for up to 36 credits (this includes TECEPs and PLAs). That's $233.19 per credit hour with no enrollment fee. The Charter Oak website is not coming up for me right now, but if I recall correctly, 36 credits will cost over $12,000. That's not even including the semester fees. Excelsior is $15,300 not including the enrollment or annual fees. Soon, 36 credits at Excelsior will cost $16,740.

TESC created the Per Credit Tuition Plan for those looking to work slowly and pay out of pocket. Even though the enrollment fee is gone, the cost per credit does go up to $476 per credit hour. However, the TECEPs are still $108 for non-residents. Using TECEPs to meet the residency requirements under this plan makes TESC's fees for those looking to almost completely test out lower than the fees at EC and COSC. I made a thread comparing the costs. IIRC, COSC is currently more expensive than EC for those looking to transfer in everything they can.

Great post! These new tuition alternatives are a wonderful alternative for future TESC students. It seems most on this forum do not consider the comprehensive tuition program. I, while in-state, took full advantage of the pricing. I was able to take two-three courses per semester which included one tecep or an epack course. It truly was all inclusive. This also allowed me the flexibility to test (1-2x/mo) and take additional courses when needed (PF, SL, CC) at the same time. This formula time/cost was how, a few years ago, completed 4 degrees for $10k (TTL) in two years. I would have pd out of state of tuition as well at these costs. My total bill compared to my siblings was lunch money.

I enjoyed TESCs online/guided study courses. Granted all but one course I took was rigorous but that was my intent. I'm still not sure I'm comfortable with a 100% test out degree without proper work experience. There is just a wealth of skill that is lost, imho. Researching, critical thinking and analysis, writing papers (reports/thesis/proposals) may be a pain in the bum, but in the long run you will be at a loss without this basic skill set.

Just in thinking about those entry level employees, it would be kind of embarrassing to hold a college degree and cannot draft a simple report when your supervisor throws a show me the numbers or the reasons why we should/should not, request your way. It's very easy to weed out those who are easily terminated vs those who deserve mentoring and promotions. Don't walk in with a severe handicap on something as basic as research and a comparative writing skills.

What is wonderful about the Big3 is they are all so diverse that anyone can truly draft their own individual plan. I have recommended this course of earning a degree to quite a few adults who are already comfortable in their careers and did not need a known school to boost their job prospects.

[sanantone]

I agree. The diversity of offered degree programs and tuition and fee structures allow them to meet the needs of varying situations. Some people need the low fees, payment plan, and consortium agreement that COSC offers. Excelsior offers all of the courses needed for degrees that aren't offered by TESC and COSC. TESC is very liberal in giving UL credit for tests, ACE/NCCRS credits, and transfer credits from 4-year schools. TESC also still has several options that don't require a course be taken in residence.

But, yeah, the Comprehensive Tuition Plan is great and very competitive. TESC's non-resident tuition is close to the in-state tuition charged at many public colleges. The inclusion of alternative options such as PLAs, e-Packs, and TECEPs makes it even better. It would be cool if Excelsior did the same thing with Uexcel exams.

[publius2k4]

If I remember correctly, another member (soliloquy, perhaps?) was had posted some communications they'd received from COSC stating that they were working on updating the information on their website.

IMHO, I think their website is dated, and in dire need of a makeover. It's quite boring. I know they don't exactly have a marketing department, but somebody at COSC has to have enough business experience to know that COSC's prices could give it a real competitive advantage if they marketed themselves correctly.