If Possible, Stay Away From Excelsior College

[burbuja0512]

Thanks for the warning about the issues you've had.. however I would approach any of the Big 3 with the understanding that you may not get the help you need.

I went to COSC, which is known as having the best customer service of the three and even though my questions never went unanswered, my advisor didn't always have a correct answer. Even at a testing-friendly school like COSC, they're not always prepared for the difficult questions us extremely non-traditional students have.

I have heard good and bad about all schools and I think that the best idea is to go into a CLEP/DSST testing program with the understanding that you will probably get 99% of your questions answered here and basically be paying your college to issue you a degree for all of your hard work. I would choose the college based upon the program that looked best, after all, most of your time spent on your education will be on your own. I've spent a LOT more time here than I ever spent on any COSC-related activities, including my one class I took there. It's probably why I still hang around here in spite of having already graduated. lol

I do agree with your frustration though and think that if you haven't been treated well, I can't blame you for venting and letting everyone know. You might even want to send a copy of this thread's URL to someone at EC so that they can see how the problems can be spread out there and sway students to look at other options. After all, many people that come here are still trying to figure out which one of the Big 3 is right for them. After reading your comments, they just might choose another option.

[valsacar]

I haven't really had any problems with them, switched from UMUC a while back. Prior Army and my degree should be done this year (last classes should end in December). Most of my credits are actual classes, and military/certification credits. While I got approval to take a few tests (doing some ALEKS) I switched my plan to get the most out of the Post 9/11 (1 year of getting BAH from doing a class at UMUC on base while doing the rest at EC, then have enough left over for a Masters), so I haven't actually taken any CLEP/DSST and probably never will.

I've pretty much always had my emails answered within a couple days (Business/IT school), the one time it went over a week I called and they answered me on the spot. I've had one issue with a bad professor (from their LS school) and after contacting them they got things straightened out (he wasn't returning graded work... in a Physics course).

[dc1wynot]

Thanks for commenting guys.

Like I said, I deal with a lot of service member's and this has been my RECENT assessment. Back in 07 they were spot on with great customer service. These days it has made my life hell...lol. I'd rather be dodging bullets in the desert. Well...not really, but you get my point.

Maybe I should add "...atleast for now" to the title.

[bkahuna]

Though my inquiries to EC have been few, I just sent them a note today asking a few questions about graduation and they responded within an hour.

I'm sorry you've had issues but just keep pushing through, I'm sure you'll get the right person with some perseverance. Part of the value that employers put on a college degree is about navigating those systems and being resourceful to break down barriers and obstacles.

[valsacar]

They gave me a call yesterday to remind me about the next term registration... of course, I'm already registered but still...

[skybirds]

Thanks Steve for sharing your experience. I will be content
just getting a simple Liberal Arts BSc. The red tape involved in getting
a diploma is exhausting. I hope Excelsior improves its
sometimes hit and miss customer service. The call center
staff can be knowlegeable or unknowledgeable. Call at
a different time and you may get some one more knowledgeable
about your questions.