Need help deciding between the big three.

[MNomadic]

The big 3 are nearly identical as far as credits you can test out of or bring in from alternative sources. As mentioned, tesu requires less UL credits(18) and COSC requires 30. Also, COSC does require at least 1 lab, but this isn't as hard to find cheap/quick/online as it used to be.

Excelsior is the most expensive option and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone unless they are in one of the military degree programs.(although with a lot of recent changes, tesu might be getting more expensive and less flexible).

If you feel like you can commit to powering through WGU in 1 or 2 terms(6-12 months) at the most, then they would be the best value for money and time. As mentioned, flexibility for when life happens is better if you go with TESU or COSC. Both TESU and COSC require that you take a cornerstone and capstone through them but those are the only courses you should take through them. 

I honestly Don't want to be in a situation where I had to take a break this month and got screwed into having to pay for another semester. So I'm trying to stay away from WGU. Say money was not a huge factor, then it would make sense to go with TESU because I would effectively require 4 less classes than COSC which is at least a months time amirite?

Both CoSC and tesu require the same amount of credits(120) which is approximately the same as every other legit bachelor's program(save for a few specialty degrees that aren't relevant to the discussion). So you're not saving yourself from more classes by going with TESU. It's just the type of classes. In general, LL are cheaper, easier, quicker and easier to find than UL courses which is why it's mentioned that TESU is preferred for that reason. However, honestly between study.com and a few of the more business oriented course providers, finding UL courses isn't as big of a deal anymore.