Cheapest PLA now?

[Ideas]

I'm curious what's the cheapest route to getting basically an entire degree with PLA, if that's possible. For someone who qualifies for the BOG AAS, that seems cheapest, but I am wondering in regards to a BS/BA. If someone already had GenEds done because of having an Associates degree with 60-93 credits, for example.

Could they portfolio 24-57 credits somewhere, do the capstone, and graduate? I see that Excelsior has a 3 credit course required which $1530 And TESU says you can only get out of the second PLA course if you have successfully gotten PLA credit before. But if someone is going for that much, it's not much per credit.

What about speed? If they are quick at writing, would it still be slow because of limits on how many PLA credits they can apply for per semester?

Edit: I realize that ACE credit is so cheap that it beats PLA, but assume they want a degree that doesn't have test out credit options.

[Joeman200]

Learning Counts's self paced PLA course is around $150-$250 I believe (depending on what site you read) and then it's $125 per 3 credits portfolio'ed. https://learningcounts.org/sreb/time-and-cost/

PLA course + fees = $1,150 for 24 credits

For TESU it's what? $500 per credit hour? So PLA courses + Portfolio fees = $2,330 for 24 credits

That's the research I've done so far... I haven't inquired yet with other colleges like empire state or any community colleges.

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I wonder if you just do the basic course with LearningCounts and PLA 3 credits (therefore successfully earning PLA credits somewhere else), if you could then pay the $389 to TESU and get 12 more?

$665 for 15 credits?

[High_Order1]

TESU won't allow you to do this.

I base this off conversations with their PLA department over the last year. I recall them saying there were courses they would not allow a PLA attempt on.

Potentially, you could PLA things at one institution, then transfer in.

How would you PLA chemistry or biology lab, for instance?

[Ideas]

TESU won't allow you to do this.

I base this off conversations with their PLA department over the last year. I recall them saying there were courses they would not allow a PLA attempt on.

Potentially, you could PLA things at one institution, then transfer in.

How would you PLA chemistry or biology lab, for instance?

A lot of degrees don't need a science lab or anything else in-person. In my scenario, the person has at least 60 credits, but mostly GenEds.

[High_Order1]

That was just my first thought. I also don't think TESU will let you PLA english comp, either... Not a hundred percent sure. All I'll add is it would be impressive to see this happen, but based on my research and personal experience, it's more trouble than it's worth.

[Ideas]

That was just my first thought. I also don't think TESU will let you PLA english comp, either...  Not a hundred percent sure. All I'll add is it would be impressive to see this happen, but based on my research and personal experience, it's more trouble than it's worth.

Well, in my scenario, they have English Comp I and II already.

Yeah, it might be. It would only be for degrees where classes are hard to find elsewhere, and they don't want to pay $500/credit, and if they allow plenty of PLA to do done per term. Like 30+ credits in 12 weeks.

[High_Order1]

would it still be slow because of limits on how many PLA credits they can apply for per semester?

Sorry I missed this.

I'm not certain, at TESU anyway, that there is an upper limit per semester. They strongly recommended it, but I still PLA'd seven courses right out of the chute. Their only real push back was if I broke them up somehow they could save me like $40 or something. At that point, and with the money I had spent, it didn't seem valuable to me.

I am betting, if there is a hard limit imposed, it is more for them finding and paying experts than it is about concerns on your end...

[High_Order1]

I'm on this page: http://www.tesu.edu/degree-completion/PLA.cfm
[/url]
[url=http://www.tesu.edu/degree-completion/PLA.cfm]Here's what they say:

Note: Credit cannot be earned through portfolio assessment for certain types of courses, including physical education activity courses and any course that must be fulfilled through direct current experience, such as practicum courses, field experiences and internships including student teaching, cooperative education, senior seminars, capstones and lab courses not accompanied by related lecture/theory courses. Also, note that English composition and most math courses are not well suited for portfolio assessment...

edited... From the FAQ Page

How many credits can I earn through portfolio assessment?

There is no limit to the amount of credit you can earn through prior learning assessment. The math and composition courses that are required for all degree programs are not available for portfolio assessment, but we do offer TECEP and other exams for these subjects. At Thomas Edison State University we value experiential learning and will assist you with the development of a portfolio that addresses as many subjects and courses for which you are capable of demonstrating your knowledge.

I knew it was something, I saw this previously.

NOW

Having said that, it is my distinct feeling that this is not a set-in-stone ruling. I am betting a PE Teacher could portfolio PEA courses, for example. I think the bottom line is; how good are you at selling yourself? And, willingness to stroke a check....

[Ideas]

Note: Credit cannot be earned through portfolio assessment for certain types of courses, including physical education activity courses and any course that must be fulfilled through direct current experience, such as practicum courses, field experiences and internships including student teaching, cooperative education, senior seminars, capstones and lab courses not accompanied by related lecture/theory courses. Also, note that English composition and most math courses are not well suited for portfolio assessment...

Kind of limiting.

That doesn't quite make sense that field experience can't be PLA'd, since PLA is about credit for real world experience. Unless they mean that you can't PLA it with non-field learning.

[Joeman200]

I wonder if you just do the basic course with LearningCounts and PLA 3 credits (therefore successfully earning PLA credits somewhere else), if you could then pay the $389 to TESU and get 12 more?

$665 for 15 credits?

Following up with the idea I proposed:

Hello,

I am planning on taking LearningCount's self-paced PLA course and also PLA'ing a few classes using their service. I am wondering if I then decided I wanted to PLA some more credits (for electives) through TESU, would need to take PLA100/200 or if I could just pay the $389 and submit portfolios?

Thanks in advance,

__________________________________

Hello Joe,



Thank you for contacting our office! In order to be eligible for the Portfolio Assessment process you must take PLA-200. You may register with the registration office. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.



Thank you,
_____________________

Pretty generic response.