We Have Moved on From the Basic “Big 3” Colleges and Now Have CBE Big 3 and Others

[LevelUP]

The original Big 3 Colleges

Excelsior University

It still accepts 113 transfer credits. So, not all that much has changed.

Charter Oak State College

Now required 30 RA credits and a B average on transfer credits. They only accept 50 Study.com credits, so it would be hard to earn UL credits. There isn't much reason to go to this college for new students or those with a low amount of transfer credits. 

Thomas Edison State University

Now required 30 RA credits. Only cost $50 per year to be enrolled in this school. People go to this school for computer science, psychology, and other degrees. This is also good if they already have many transfer credits or get multiple degrees. 

It only requires 5 extra courses to go from BA in Computer Science to obtaining a separate BS Business Admin CIS degree. Requires zero additional courses and zero cost to go from BS Business Admin CIS to a free Associates degree in Computer Science. 

If you are starting from scratch and only want a Liberal Arts, History, or Business degree, then UMPI would be quicker and cheaper.

The New CBE Big 3 Colleges

Western Governors University

A lot of people like this school for their computer technology degrees. The computer tech degrees have industry-recognized certifications. The cost is around $3500 per 6-month session.

Purdue Global University

Has a variety of degrees. Their computer tech degree utilizes certifications. Some certificates can count for 7 courses! The cost is around $2800 per 10-week session.

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Has a variety of degree programs. What makes this college popular is the cost of $1500 per 8-week session, and courses tend to be around 20-40 hours in length on average.

Other Colleges That Are Highly Recommended

Southern New Hampshire University

The positives of this school are that it is the most popular online school with over 170,000 online students, has the largest variety of degree programs out of the schools we recommend, and the courses are around 20 hours with easy grading. The downside is you can only take 2 courses at a time, and the cost overall is higher than the colleges we recommend at $960 per course.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce offers four competency-based degrees: BAAS in Organizational Leadership, BAAS in Health Services Administration, BAAS in Safety and Health, and BS in Criminal Justice with emphasis in Law Enforcement Leadership.

Peirce College

Peirce College is a Regionally Accredited university with very generous alternate credit transfer limits. They have several degrees that allow you to transfer in 90-102 credits. The cost at Peirce itself is quoted as being either $20000 or $11000, depending on whether you bring in 90 or 102 credits.

CUNY School of Professional Studies

CUNY SPS is ranked #10 in the nation on U.S. News & World Report's list of 2022 Best Online Bachelor's Programs, and also earns several other top ranking by the publisher. CUNY SPS allows transfer up to 105 academic credits from previous educational institutions.

Liberty University Online

Liberty University Online is one of the most well-known religious universities, offering many majors to choose from. They offer a 15% Sophia discount and a discount for the military as well.

University of the Cumberlands 

University of the Cumberlands is a religious university that offers low tuition at $220 per credit. Many of their majors provide approximately 50 free electives, which is beneficial for transfer students. However, it's important to note that there is no equivalent list for Sophia or Study.com. Nevertheless, you can utilize this student transfer evaluation to determine course equivalencies. Additionally, you may have the option to obtain an unofficial transfer evaluation for free.

University of the People

UOP has an NA-accredited computer science program that can be done cheaply. UOP is very similar to SNHU in how courses are set up and the time to complete a degree.

$60 application fee
$510 transfer credit fee ($17 * 30)
$1200 remaining courses ($120 * 10)
$1770 total

Best Associates Degree

Pierpont

Pierpoint is a technical college that will give you a Board of Governors (BOG) Associate's degree for free! All you need is 1 graded RA credit, and the rest of the credits can come from Sophia. This is a great way to boost your self-confidence and your perception of your own capabilities.