Don't want to start a WWIII BUT out of the big 3 which holds most recognition?

[Can219]

It was brought to my attention the difference in cost of COSC vs. TESC. I'm just curious why you chose one of your big 3? Is one of the schools known to have a better reputation than the other? I don't want to offend anyone if your going to a different school but I also don't want to pay through the nose if it's not going to benefit me. Any feedback would be great.

[NAP]

I think all 3 colleges are growing. It helps that many students are in the military and can increase the name recognition and information about these educational opportunities worldwide.

At this point, it is my understanding that Excelsior College has the most graduates and enrolled students: About Us - Excelsior College - excelsior.edu

Each student must weigh the pros and cons of each school with their individual situation, goals, and needs.

[Daithi]

I certainly can't answer for others, but I don't see much difference between them in terms of reputation. I don't think the vast majority of people have ever heard of any of these colleges. I had never heard of them prior to learning about the Big 3. However, COSC and TESC are both State colleges and I do see that as being a plus, because it helps alleviate concerns the college is a degree mill. Thomas Edison also has the advantage of being the 2nd largest state college in New Jersey. So, if a prospective employer says, "I've never heard of Thomas Edison State College. Is it a community college?" You can say, "No. It is a four year degree granting institution and is the 2nd largest state college in New Jersey. It is right behind Rutgers in size."

[Can219]

Good Point Daithi... this is the kind of information I was hoping to hear.

[NAP]

Based on your other posts, I think you'd like to know the reputation of the Accounting programs, but I don't think I've seen anything about that specifically on this forum.

I have been surprised by the number of people I've met who know about EC already. A way to describe Excelsior College - It is now a private college in Albany, NY, but it was founded by the New York State Board of Education.

[chiquitacobbe]

I chose TESC mainly for two reasons, one I know someone personally who graduated from there and he gave me great advice and highly recommended it. The second is because I am originally from NJ and have only lived in FL since 2005 so I think it would look better on my resume if I have to explain why I went to a college from NJ when I live in FL. Oh and I guess you could say that unless you attend a large well known school no one will know the college unless you lived in the state. There are alot of colleges/universities that employers will not know even exist but in the state where it resides it could be a very well known school. I always say go with what best fits your own personal needs.

Good luck!

[cookderosa]

It was brought to my attention the difference in cost of COSC vs. TESC. I'm just curious why you chose one of your big 3? Is one of the schools known to have a better reputation than the other? I don't want to offend anyone if your going to a different school but I also don't want to pay through the nose if it's not going to benefit me. Any feedback would be great.

The big three are equal. Pick the one that presents the fewest obstacles for you. Cost differences are sometimes a matter of how you intend on completing your remaining credits, not straight tuition calculation.

[sanantone]

None of the schools are ranked. The only one with a ranked program is TESC with its master's in nursing, which most people on here don't care about.

[publius2k4]

One major difference between TESC and COSC is the option to choose a major at TESC. While you can elect to concentrate your studies in one area at COSC, your degree will still be, simply, a General Studies degree. At TESC, you can choose a major, and that major will be reflected on both your diploma and your transcripts. For some people, having their major listed is very important, and therefore worth the extra costs.

[cooperalex2004]

One major difference between TESC and COSC is the option to choose a major at TESC. While you can elect to concentrate your studies in one area at COSC, your degree will still be, simply, a General Studies degree. At TESC, you can choose a major, and that major will be reflected on both your diploma and your transcripts. For some people, having their major listed is very important, and therefore worth the extra costs.

Your diploma has a major on it? I should order a new one then because mine just says Bachelor of Arts and misses out on the communications part. My understanding is that the diplomas at TESC don't include any majors or areas of study, rather they simply say Bachelor of Arts or Associate in Applied Sciences. I think the one exception from what I've heard is the BSBA which may say something like Bachelor of Sciences in Business Administration but would still lack the further customization that some do by getting a BSBA in something other than general business.

To answer the previous question, the choice is yours but like others I was referred to TESC and found them to offer a very easy solution to my problem of being at a two year college with way too many credits to want to deal with and schools locally that wanted 30 upper level credits and 40 credits of residency. The right school depends on your desired major, your previous credits, and the sources of credit which you want to utilize to finish. Most people on here will agree that the simple choice is to pick the school which matches your needs and is also regionally accredited (like TESC, EC, or COSC).