WGU vs TESC vs Excelsior vs Charter Oak

zackmax

Hi folks,

I have an associate in comp sci from more than 5 years ago therefore WGU would not grant me any technical course credits.
They only granted me gen ed and some credits for my certs.

So I still have over 90 credits to go for
BS in IT - Network Admin

Considering all factors (time to complete, cost, etc.), is this still the program to go for or should I look into the other Big 3?

Thanks

successrealm

I think you could easily finish 90 credits in less time at WGU, than finishing a Bach at the others. Cost wise value too. (Not sure from your post, but you may pick up more certs in the WGU classes, as well.)

WGU, but I'm biased....

zackmax

I realize its very popular here but why is the WGU graduation rate only 15%? It worries me.

ypark

zackmax wrote: »

I realize its very popular here but why is the WGU graduation rate only 15%? It worries me.

I can see why it could be that low. It's all in a self-directed setting without an instructor or real deadlines to guide you. If you are motivated and confident that you can get it done, I wouldn't worry so much about it.

I start classes in September and have 70 something credits to go after transferring previous courses and certs. I did lose about 30 credits because they were taken more than 5 years ago. I am still going through with it since FAFSA is covering most of my tuition anyway and just the certs and training material alone are worth that much to me.

Robertf969

I go to excelsior, it terms of transfer credit they are amazing. As far as my college experience, I feel like i'm just checking the block on getting a degree.

TLeTourneau

As for the WGU graduation rate, did you look at:
A Brief Guide to Graduation Rates, Tuition Costs and Borrowing at WGU

Just curious.

eansdad

WGU is great if you want to earn certs (while you can) while you take courses. I say while you can because currently CompTIA has 2 workshops for exam development coming up for WGU exams (I asked). With that The "Big 3" as they are called are good if you have near enough credits to graduate as they take almost if not all transfer credits. These schools are great if you have over 120 credits from various schools and certs that line up with their degrees, simple pay for the transfer credits, enrollment fee and grad fee and you get a diploma.

My thoughts, if you are good at being self taught and have the ability to complete 12 credits every 6 months then go to WGU. If you need a structured environment with specific dead lines or a teacher to explain things to you then find a good online school like DSU (Dakota State University), UAT (University of Advanced Technology) or a B&M school near you.

zackmax

Sorry I did not understand what you meant by:

eansdad wrote: »

I say while you can because currently CompTIA has 2 workshops for exam development coming up for WGU exams (I asked).

Mr. Meeseeks

TLeTourneau wrote: »

As for the WGU graduation rate, did you look at:
A Brief Guide to Graduation Rates, Tuition Costs and Borrowing at WGU

Just curious.

2nd this. Their graduation rate is actually around 45-50%