40 and need a degree ... where to begin?

[cframe]

I have the opportunity to present and help adults who have been displaced due to layoffs. Some are finding walls put up because they have worked in a field for 20 years, but can't get an interview without a degree on their resume.

My focus has been combining CLEP/Dual Enrollment and Homeschool Courses to facilitate a BA degree for my high schools through TESC. So I know that track well.

However, I need input on the route others can suggest for how to get an adult who has been out of education started and the "best" (fastest/cheapest/easiest) route to that BA/BS degree.

Since a lot of these folks are dealing with the issues of uncertainty, I wanted to lay out a simple doable "one-size-fits-all" approach for ease of understanding and then let them individualize once they grasp the potential.

Certainly Cleps and FEMA credits.
1. Are the Big 3 the "best" choice for the actual degree?
2. Would you recommend one over the other for adults going back to school?
3. Where are the "best" places to take online courses?

Your help is very much appreciated!