Cost of TESU vs. Excelsior

[rachel83az]

Obviously UMPI is not an option for several years (you must be 20yo to apply), but the rest I agree with 100%.  There's no reason to get a BALS/BLS this young, as it's not going to do a lot for a career for someone just starting out.

Yes, obviously. But if they mess around for 6-12 months on Coursera, and maybe take a few entry-level jobs to see what's what, they might be 20 (or near so) by the time they figure out what they really want to do with their lives. Then they can go on to UMPI. Or TESU. Or Excelsior. Whatever actually fits what they want to do/be.

[natshar]

Yeah I personally never understood getting a BLS or BS Generl Studies, Individualized studies etc unless you were an older adult or chekcbox degree. As a young teen they have time plus they can appply for so many more scholarships too. Why rush?

I personally know someone who got a BS General studies at like 18. Then a few years later then went back to school for a second a second degree in what they actually wanted. Not only did it render their 1st degree useless but screwed them out financial aid too. Second BS degrees dont qualify for most aid.

A few years ago, I had the option to get a BA liberal studies from TESU and all I needed was a couple UL and capstone. But instead I went to brick and morter school (transfered in 90 cr)/and got a much better degree. The big 3 arent for everyone and I think for young people a traditional college could make sense. But you can still make shorter by transfering credit it doesn't have to take 4 yrs.

Thoughts:

-maybe try CLEPS, dssts (if local CC accepts them) and leverage that into a computer related associate at local CC.
-look into articulation agreements with local CCs and state U
-apply for lots of scholarships
-look into jobs that pay for college, Starbucks pays 100% of asu online, etc. Amazon, etc. I think at a younger age work experience teaches a lot and to get a degree while working is a bonus. Many of the Guild education schools are very transfer friendly too.

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Get a job at amazon, Starbucks or Target they can get a computer related degree for no cost to them. And then possibly do some cleps and dssts to make it faster. WGU (free as amzn employee) accepts ACE so it wouldnt go to waste. and like I said many of the guild (Target, Chipotle etc.) partner with schools thar accept ACE even some Sophia partners.

[bjcheung77]

@natshar, I totally agree, for those who are on the younger end of the spectrum, and even those who may be a tad older and in college, I recommend the trifecta (Certs, Degree, Experience). Especially when you have access to entry level jobs that have tuition assistance or reimbursement, grants and whatever else, use those toward your first Associates and Bachelors, debt free.

Having said that, not many people know exactly what they want to do during/after high school. So that is also one reason I tell people to work on the trifecta until you do find something you want. If you don't dip your feet into the industry, you'll not know if that is for you or not, so by taking some courses related to that industry, you'll know more in detail to see if it's for you...

Lastly, for those who still haven't decide on any major, the Applied Science or Liberal Studies options aren't bad at all, it gives you a broad range of subjects you can take and see which one interests you most. Some institutions offer either or both of these type of degrees, you can have specific emphasis, focus, minors added to these degrees if you wanted some concentration.

[turtlepuff1234111]

I can not speak about Excelsior, but when I went through TESU back in 2017 the BA in natural science and mathematics was actually not terrible.  The capstone itself whilst seemingly very very time consuming, was actually to me at least fun.  I believe they have changed many things though since I have gone through.  I was actually in an older degree program I think before they rolled out the new one.  Just right on the edge of having to make changes all over the place.  Still miss that I think Harvard extension course in bioelectricity that would have transferred over to ACE.  I've been out of things for a little while, but it is awesome to see the community is still thriving and marching forward.  THANK YOU GUYS, FOR EVERYTHING.