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WGU... has come to this (need some advice)

kurosaki00

Hello,
Been a user forum for a while.
Recently I made a a move and I moved to US (Indiana). The moving expense and helping my family has left me... well, Lets say its financially challenging for me to pay for exams. I have been pretty depressed in the latest months.

Ive read about WGU here all the time. I see some forum guys which I respect a lot talk a lot of good things about WGU.
So I'm thinking of enrolling.
The thing is that I'm interested in the BS in IT Sec, which includes ccna sec, sec+, Linux+ and so on.
But I already have a BS, does this mean anything?
Can I still go for the BS? I saw their MS in Sec and assurance, but it doesnt include certs like ccna or ccna sec that I really want.

Any advice you can give me?
Have anyone here already ha a BS and went and did another one with WGU?

Thanks

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Comments

spiderjericho

I had a BA prior to enrolling at WGU. The advantage this gives you is it will waive a lot of credits. All you'll have to focus on is the certification/IT courses.

Keep in mind the cost of the tuition. I ended up paying a total of $3,800 for the second degree.

If the certs are all you're interested in, It might be cheaper to pursue those certs on your own. Buy a Sybex book, buy a voucher and take the test when you feel ready. Linux+, CCNA, Network+, A+ and Security+ are all simple certs to self study for and don't require a heavy investment (probably less than half of the WGU tuition).

just things to consider. If your goal is another degree then WGU is a good choice as it will allow you to finish a lot quicker than a normal brick and mortar.

kurosaki00

The thing is that I dont have money for the certs, but through WGU I get financial aid and local aid.

SephStorm

patience. I highly advise against going to school purely for the certs. You are a CCENT, you can get the study material for CCNA and CCNA Sec easily, in time you'll find the funds for the tests.

TeKniques

If you already have a BS I would advise to NOT incur loan debt for a few certs. Since you already have your CCENT, it's even less desirable IMO since the CCNA and CCNA Sec are the gold stars cert wise for the degree. If you want to go back to school, I would look into the Masters programs instead; you can still earn certs from those and get an advanced degree.

kurosaki00

btw, yes my main reason are certs. But I'm also in for the security degree.
I'm also interested in continuing the degree up to the M.S. in sec if I like their method

cygnus21

Be careful thinking about financial aid. Some of it can not be used for a second bachelors degree. I think the only part you would be eligible for are unsubsidized loan if even that. check into the financial aid rules first. As was mentioned check into the masters program you would have more options to pay for it in your situation.

Danielm7

cygnus21 wrote: »

Be careful thinking about financial aid. Some of it can not be used for a second bachelors degree. I think the only part you would be eligible for are unsubsidized loan if even that. check into the financial aid rules first. As was mentioned check into the masters program you would have more options to pay for it in your situation.

This ^^ We found this with my wife, she already has a BA and wanted to go back to school, since I was getting financial aid (grants) already I figured she would at least get the same thing... but once you have a bachelors already the most you can get are loans.

spiderjericho

cygnus21 wrote: »

Be careful thinking about financial aid. Some of it can not be used for a second bachelors degree. I think the only part you would be eligible for are unsubsidized loan if even that. check into the financial aid rules first. As was mentioned check into the masters program you would have more options to pay for it in your situation.

This.

During my application process to WGU, I applied for FAFSA. I was denied due to my Bachelor of Arts. The degree also precluded me from getting military tuition assistance.

I had to come out of pocket to pay the $3,800 for my two terms at WGU.

Like I said, it would be cheaper to buy the certification text books and study on your own. You can study at your own pace and not be overburdened by loans or held to the on time progress.

A Master's Degree wouldn't be a bad investment.

Throne

As others have stated kurosaki00, I would just get the materials off the interent and study and when you have enough money to take the exams take them then. No point in trying to get another degree, because to be honest the certs will carry more weight. Not to mention. you can get all the study material for free on the internet.

kurosaki00

thanks for the suggestions...
I guess Ill try to get one or two jobs repairing stuff or installing stuff on my free time and gather some $$ and go for the certs