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

[bawhitsett]

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?

1) The big 3 certainly offer a flexibility that no other schools offer. Their residency requirements are basically non-existant. Some require upper-level courses (COSC, EC) while others don't (TESC), they each put limits on the number of CC credits you can transfer in (for TESC it's 80), but with each giving different amounts of credit for FEMA exams, certs, etc., this can be worked around. All 3 are pretty generic and aren't going to get you a job on name alone, but they will allow you to check that "degree?" box.

2) All 3 offer different things. Only TESC and COSC are state schools. Only COSC and EC require upper level credit, and thus, the argument could be made that they're more rigorous. Only TESC and EC offer majors (COSC offers concentrations). Really is up to the individual. TESC served my needs best the first time around, now I'm considering going back for a second BS in accounting, and would ge to EC.

3) Testing out is the best option for most to rack up gen ed credits fast. For major-specific credits, CC's are great, there are other RA schools out there like LSU that offer continuing ed credits for dirt cheap ($250 a 3-credit class), and you could also use certs or ACE-reviewed credits from schools like Penn Foster to complete specific degree requirements.