Cheapest but slowest RA school for bachelors

[CarpeDiem8]

I think the time constraints of schools like WGU won't work for me. Let's say I only have about max of 10 hrs a week to devote to classes, no rush on obtaining a degree.

What would you recommend for non-profit RA schools?

ACE - which one (cheapest and slowest) Straighterline, Study.com or something else, like testing out with CLEP? I'm concerned that the CLEP route would mean extra time just researching for CLEP info for each course vs. just learning and working toward goal...

Which BIG 3? is the pacing all the same?

Thanks!

[sanantone]

All of the Big 3 are the same. It's best to enroll when you're almost finished. I had no problem with finding study materials for CLEPs and DSSTs since I mostly used Instantcert, but CSU Global and Davar provide the study materials for their exams.

[CarpeDiem8]

Thanks, Sanantone.

I need to look into Instantcert then, it's a new concept to me.

This is what you would recommend then, CLEP and DSST? they run ~80 bucks for the test, correct and no.pressure of time?

[Ideas]

With most degrees, you will need to take courses from at least 3 sources.

CLEP and DSST are good bets for you. You normally have to book at a testing center a week or couple weeks in advance, but some centers might be better than others. I have seen a walk-in center before. The test center charges around $20-30 on top of the $80 CLEP fee.

Perhaps ALEKS for math unless you're bad at math. It's so cheap. There is possible time pressure just because they might not get renewed after the end of June, or they may change their format. It's really worth getting at least a couple classes done there if you can use the credits.

Study.com is not too bad. You would be committing to doing 2 classes a month for $199 for both of them. The material is broken up into small chunks and if you are careful with the quizzes, you only need about 56-60% on the final. Worst case if you couldn't complete a class, you paid $199 for the 1 class.

Straighterline is expensive if you're doing only 1-2 courses in a month.

[davewill]

You should also look at TECEPs and uExcel tests, too.

Saylor.org isn't a bad choice if you're​ moving slowly since there are no fees or time limits while going through the courses. The courses are a bit uneven at times with repetitive material and broken links. I did three, intro to computers, intro to sociology, and environmental ethics. The first two were ok, the third was a bear. Unfortunately, sociology at Saylor only nets one credit, but I used it to study for the CLEP. I actually used Env Ethics to study for the TECEP since it wasn't approved for credit at that time, which worked ok.

[Ideas]

A lot of us get the scholarship to Study.com, so then you can try it out for 3 months, 2 exams each month, for free.

Searching for CLEP info is not hard. They have official books and guides. Most people buy 1 book and use some online flashcards.

[sanantone]

You should also look at TECEPs and uExcel tests, too.

Saylor.org isn't a bad choice if you're​ moving slowly since there are no fees or time limits while going through the courses. The courses are a bit uneven at times with repetitive material and broken links. I did three, intro to computers, intro to sociology, and environmental ethics. The first two were ok, the third was a bear. Unfortunately, sociology at Saylor only nets one credit, but I used it to study for the CLEP. I actually used Env Ethics to study for the TECEP since it wasn't approved for credit at that time, which worked ok.

In addition to this, TESU and Excelsior tell you what to study for TECEPs and Uexcels.

[CarpeDiem8]

Thanks, guys.

For the TECEP that has to be taken 1x a year to stay enrolled - does it matter which one?

[davewill]

Thanks, guys.

For the TECEP that has to be taken 1x a year to stay enrolled - does it matter which one?

Not at all. In fact, some people use the 1 credit medical terminology one because it's cheapest. However, TECEPs are reasonably priced anyway, only $15 or so more than most people end up paying to take a CLEP.

TECEP. $114
CLEP. $80 + $20-30 test center fee

[bjcheung77]

I would recommend ALEKS, Saylor and Davar, as both provide resources and the exams are cheaper than CLEP/DSST (furthermore, you don't have to go in person, can do online exam).
ALEKS (non proctored math courses at $20/month), Saylor is $25/exam, Davar is $70/exam + $15/proctor (get it on sale at $20+15). Your other options are Straighterline/Study.com.

Main difference is, the speed and ease of finishing. Straighterline is $99/month membership + $49 to $99 per course. Study.com is $199/2 courses a month, $70 each extra exam.
If you would like to go slow, I would recommend doing everything at Study.com for their yearly fee, that means take 2 courses a month for 12 months, and get 72 credits!

Read the Beginners Guide and Wiki for more info on these and create yourself a spreadsheet for reference and tracking purposes, and to know your costs.
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