which school and why

[tclemens]

I was considering a degree through TESC but was wondering, if all of "the 3" have the degree I am looking for, is there one "better" than the other? What made you choose who you did?

Thanks
Toni

[STG]

I'm quoting MomOfMany's signature: Need help deciding which of the big 3 to use? Then go look at Awesome Alissa's Pros/Cons of the Big 3 Comparison.

[dcan]

I chose TESC specifically for it's Bachelor of Science Business Administration / Computer Information Systems degree. The cost is free for me (military tuition assistance), I already have all the CIS credits from my CCAF degree (17 year old military tech school courses FTW), and I also picked up some management/leadership credits from CCAF as well that fit in nicely. I was torn between a computer science degree (too tough on math) and business (wanted to learn business concepts, but seems too soft). BSBA CIS was "just right" for me.

For the general "BA" degrees and such, it really comes down to what YOU want. If cost is the issue, compare cost breakdowns for the same degree at each school. If speed and customer service is important, well then TESC and Excelsior are automatically ruled out. If free FEMAs are important, then Excelsior and COSC are ruled out -- but you'll pay more in annual fee to TESC in exchange.

We all make our decisions for personal reasons, and no two of us have the same reasons. It really all depends on what is important to you.

[SandraNC]

I'm quoting MomOfMany's signature: Need help deciding which of the big 3 to use? Then go look at Awesome Alissa's Pros/Cons of the Big 3 Comparison.

Another good comparison here:
http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...#post89347

[burbuja0512]

I know you're not asking about COSC, but if you're looking to save money and also break up the cost, you might want to think about it. Overall total spend won't be a lot less than TESC, but you don't have to pay a big lump sum tuition bill like you do with TESC, so it could be helpful.

Here is a thread I started a while back:

http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...s+answered

[cookderosa]

For me, I picked TESC because (at the time) you could use 200 level DSST exams as upper level- not the case anymore.

I would say that TESC has 1 single advantage over the other two, and that's their acceptance of 27 FEMAs. In other words, the whole free elective category can be obtained in (essentially) a week for no cost. For some people, that's a huge deal either due to time/money, or simply the mental gains that come with knocking out almost a year's worth of college before you even enroll- and for no cost. People who have a lot of prior credit, especially in fields that will come in as free electives anyway, are not going to be excited about this- but for someone starting from scratch, it's a great deal.

I think if anyone is planning on testing out of their degree entirely (and using ALEKS & SL) then it's simply a question of money. Which option is the cheapest? That's a math problem that shouldn't take you more than an hour to figure out based on what you are coming in with.

If you are planning on taking classes, you might want to ask around and investigate your options. TESC, for instance, doesn't offer most classes necessary for most degrees. That can be a huge pain for people using financial aid.

[Lyanne]

For me, I picked TESC because (at the time) you could use 200 level DSST exams as upper level- not the case anymore.

Uh oh. Do you have some kind of link to send me to for info on this? Suddenly I am wondering if my degree plan needs to be changed. Is there a way to differentiate between 200 level DSST's and higher level? Or are NO DSSTs considered UL by TESC anymore?
Thanks!

[rebel100]

here:

Undergraduate Ways to Earn Credit - Thomas Edison State College - acalog ACMSâ„¢

[Yenisei]

After having taken B&M butt-in-the-seat courses, online courses, independent study courses and exams for credit, I can say for certain that testing out is the path of least resistance and should be your emphasis unless the option isn't available for the class(es) you need or your study skills and initiative are poor and you require the guidance and deadlines of a structured course.

[Lyanne]

HIS-309-DE An Introduction to the Modern Middle East (3) 47
HIS-351-DE A History of the Vietnam War (3) 44
HIS-386-DE Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union (3) 45

So I am okay because these tests are equivalent to 300 level courses? I hope? Thanks for the link. I have a few months before I am close enough to the 6 month window to have my transcript evaluated. I'd hate to take a bunch of tests that won't count where I want them to, but I'd also hate to spend $75 now, then have to do it again later. I guess it's cheaper than paying for a test I don't need.