TESC is starting to seem like the best option

[barcotta]

This is a huge decision for me and I would hate to screw it up.

Well, the good news is that, in this case, I don't think you really CAN screw it up. Any of the big three will be just fine. I'm unaware of anyone who lost out on a job or educational opportunity due to the fact that they graduated from COSC instead of EC--or TESC instead of COSC, etc. I stressed for YEARS about this and, knowing all that I know now, it was needless. Pick the one that makes the most sense and don't look back.

The one thing that I know now (post-decision) that I wish I knew then is the relative ease of some of the CLEP and DSST exams you can take for elective credit. I, like you, was placing a high premium on the easiest and cheapest ways to get credit. Now I recognize that there are enough tests that, for me, would require minimal preparation, so now I would not factor that in so highly. I also made my decision pre-FEMA.

Excelsior appeared to be more flexible to me based on my needs and I have some relatives that graduated from there. If I recall, I liked the minimal $$$ up front aspect of EC as well. Oddly enough, if I had it to do over again, the one advantage that TESC has which may sway me to TESC has nothing to do with anything discussed this far. I obtained a business degree and I would prefer for my degree to be called a BSBA--as it is at TESC and 95% of all other colleges.

However, don't stress about making the "wrong" choice. Just do your due diligence and pick whichever makes the most sense for your needs. And, most of all, once you decide--don't look back, and have fun!