Costs for Competency-Based Bachelor's Programs as of 7/25/2020

[tjguitar85]

I wanted to start this thread to let people know that the costs vary quite a bit.  And of course, every school doesn't offer every program, so you have to look at that before you look at the cost.  But if you want to compare apples-to-apples, then you can see what each program costs per week.

SCHOOL             PROGRAM                     COST              TERM             COST PER WEEK
NAU                     Personalized Learning    $3,000              6 months        $115
UMH                    MyWay                             $3,250             6 months         $125
Brandman            MyPath                            $3,200             24 weeks         $133
WGU                                                            $3370-$3845   6 months         $130-$148
APU/AMU            Momentum                       $2,500            16 weeks         $156
UMPI                   YourPace                          $1,400             8 weeks          $175
U of Wisconsin    Flex                                   $2,250            12 weeks         $188
Walden                Tempo Learning               $2,450             3 months         $188
Capella                Flexpath                           $2500-$3200   12 weeks         $208-$267

Maybe include what the colleges are that are abbreviated? Everyone doesn't know what the initials stand for. People come here all the time and don't become members so that can't ask. This is a great list. Maybe the admins can add a sticky note to it so it stays up top?

• NAU = Northern Arizona University
  
• UMH = University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
  
• Brandman = Brandman University
  
• WGU = Western Governors University
  
• APU/AMU = American Public University (American Military University)
  
• UMPI = University of Main at Presque Isle
  
• U of Wisconsin = University of Wisconsin
  
• Walden = Walden University
  
• Capella = Capella University
  

There are a couple of obvious schools missing from that list like Purdue Global and SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University).

Keep in mind that this list is a moving target since many colleges are adding (or have recently added) competency-based online programs these days. That list includes the following colleges:

• Rasmussen College
  
• Mary L Hurst University
  
• Broward College
  
• Texas State Technical College
  
• Salt Lake Community College
  
• University of Michigan
  
• Lipscomb University
  
• Wilmington University
  
• University of Texas
  
• Tarleton State University (Texas A&M)
  

I'm sure there are a number of other colleges out there that should be on that list that I am not aware of as well.

Thanks everyone for this informative thread and posts.  Cost is obviously one factor, when looking into a program/school, I would also look into the limits or usability in the number for transfer of credits, non or for profit status (if important to you), and options for alternative credit, etc.   I usually look at the overall ROI/Value of the school program, if it has secondary/programmatic accreditation, etc...

For example, Brandman is a private non-profit that has MyPath from an Associates in General Business up to a Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership and I think their costs are $3200/6 months for undergrad and $3500/6 months for the MAOL - these are perfect WGU alternatives for individuals who are not US Citizen or Permanent Residents residing in the US, it will also work if you want something other than WGU.

The one that caught my attention once again is Walden, as they are offering a 50% off tuition for the life of their programs, this is a for profit if it matters, but their programs are equally writing intensive as any other comparable competency based degree program.  Again, cost is something, but I would look at the overall picture of what degree plans are offered and if it has programmatic or secondary accreditation, etc.

I would be curious about the U of Texas and Michigan options as those certainly have better brand associations when most schools have "Global" or "Extension" or the like for their online offerings.