Challenge: Cheapest Big 3 Associate's Degree?

[dcan]

I really love the idea of picking up an extra associate's degree on my way up the ladder. I am about to complete an AAS degree in computer programming, and I'm setting out on a TESC BSBA CIS track. But I love the idea of picking up an extra associate's on the way, which should be easy given the BSBA requirements I need to fill anyway.

What is the absolute cheapest way to pick up an associate's degree from the Big 3 with that kind of credit spread? I figure business administration is probably the best route, though management may be in as well. Personally I salivate over getting one in political science, but that isn't economically viable right now.

I am military, so cheaper costs, but they would all be out of pocket expenses. Tuition Assistance won't pay for a sideways-or-down degree, and since I'm finishing an associate's they will only pay towards a bachelor's degree.

It's not always clear what the true costs are from the tuition schedules, given the sometimes mandatory intro course, capstone course, etc. So I'm turning to the true experts for help.

Thanks! :patriot:

[valsacar]

I switched from UMUC to Excelsior while I was AD and they waived all the entrance fees. Couldn't tell you about specific degrees, but they could probably help a bit and lower the out of pocket expenses. Don't forget you can always CLEP/DSST/ECE for free at the ed center, which should help cover some courses your second associates would need. EC also gives credits for some industry certs, such as CompTIA and MS certs (which if you're in an IT role for the military they should be paying for).

Don't forget that you always have the option of using your GI Bill while on active duty, though I personally consider that a waste as you wouldn't get the housing money from it. GI Bill doesn't care about what degrees you have, as long as you're enrolled in an accredited uni working towards A degree.

[cookderosa]

I really love the idea of picking up an extra associate's degree on my way up the ladder. I am about to complete an AAS degree in computer programming, and I'm setting out on a TESC BSBA CIS track. But I love the idea of picking up an extra associate's on the way, which should be easy given the BSBA requirements I need to fill anyway.

What is the absolute cheapest way to pick up an associate's degree from the Big 3 with that kind of credit spread? I figure business administration is probably the best route, though management may be in as well. Personally I salivate over getting one in political science, but that isn't economically viable right now.

I am military, so cheaper costs, but they would all be out of pocket expenses. Tuition Assistance won't pay for a sideways-or-down degree, and since I'm finishing an associate's they will only pay toward a bachelor's degree.

It's not always clear what the true costs are from the tuition schedules, given the sometimes mandatory intro course, capstone course, etc. So I'm turning to the true experts for help.

Thanks! :patriot:

The cheapest will be to use a few strategies. First, don't make a mistake about how to fill a requirement. Second, don't fail a test lol. Third, CLEP/Straighterline/ALEKS are all excellent- but which is cheaper depends on your skills. For instance, you need precal, but your math level is just at introductory algebra. It may take you half a year to get to Precal. OTOH if you have the skill set today, you can use ALEKS to crank out 12 credits in 1 month for $20! Fourth, don't waste a lot of money on resources. Almost everything you ever need to know is already on the internet for free.

Something I would do if I were starting from scratch, would be to take the upper levels as inside your associates so you are not later worried about how to use all those 100 level classes. You'll be able to back fill using FEMA for free elective gaps when you get into your bachelor's (if you stick with TESC). Yes a CLEP is cheaper than an upper level business class, but you have to take the class anyway, so take it now and skip the lower level CLEP (you have to work out a plan so everything fits, I'm generalizing obviously).

[dcan]

It may take you half a year to get to Precal.[/quote

I figured that and I don't really mind. I will probably take 5-7 classes from TESC anyway, which means 2 years to get my bachelor's. Plus I think I'll enjoy it actually.

[QUOTE=cookderosa]Something I would do if I were starting from scratch, would be to take the upper levels as inside your associates so you are not later worried about how to use all those 100 level classes. You'll be able to back fill using FEMA for free elective gaps when you get into your bachelor's (if you stick with TESC). Yes a CLEP is cheaper than an upper level business class, but you have to take the class anyway, so take it now and skip the lower level CLEP (you have to work out a plan so everything fits, I'm generalizing obviously).

This actually sounds like a great idea. I'll have to see how that works out.

I looked at TESC and will take the required credits for the ASBA on my way to the BSBA anyway. Will TESC grant an ASBA on the way to BSBA for only the grad fee? Since I'm military I won't pay the high enrollment fee, and an ASBA for $300 or so sounds very nice. I know I can get it awarded at the BS grad date, but I'd rather get it sooner. I'll be taking the credits to fill up the ASBA anyway, so may as well.

Thanks!

[cookderosa]

I looked at TESC and will take the required credits for the ASBA on my way to the BSBA anyway. Will TESC grant an ASBA on the way to BSBA for only the grad fee? Thanks!

Yes, that's what I did. Good luck to you!!