How has degree planning changed over the years?

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Furthermore, the pricing got cheaper as Coursera, Sophia.org, Study.com, and other alternative options such as StraighterLine now have package deals, promotions, and/or sales.  Moreover, you have ETAMU/UMPI recently allowing a transfer of 90 credits, you can complete the 30 residency credits in one or two sessions and the degree can be had for easier and faster!  Essentially, it's become much better now than it was before...

How much cheaper have third party credit platforms become over time?

Before Covid, Sophia was $349 per class. Now they have multiple plans with a flat fee for however many classes you can complete during your plan period. Coursera was free for many residents during Covid as the states were covering the fees.