How to get a Software Engineering, Data, or CS degree for cheap in 2024?

[awildstudentappeared]

Location: US
Age: 30
What kind of degree do you want?: Bachelor's in probably Software Engineering or Data Analysis or related. Maybe CS. More on this below
Current degrees: None. Applied for Pierpont BOG AAS to turn my credits into an Associate's
Budget: 10k all in
Current Regional Accredited Credits: A lot. I'm not gonna post them all because it would take forever but it's over 60 credits from various brick and mortar schools over the years. Should knock out 90% of gen eds at almost any school. I changed schools and majors a lot.
Completed RA classes of note: Calculus I
Other: Recently signed up for Sophia


So, I've been looking at WGU's Software, Data, and CS degrees for awhile. I like how they're competency based and how that makes it possible to finish in just a term or 2. I want to get my degree as quick as possible, while also learning the relevant information well. Some posts I've seen on reddit concern me if people are really learning the foundational stuff well, when they post about taking the equivalency of whatever difficult course at the easiest provider (Study.com, Sophia, Straighterline) possible, and speedrunning the course in 3 or 4 days. I'd probably do the same for gen eds if I had any that my previous credits wouldn't knock out, or if the degree was just an HR checkbox and I already had industry experience, but that's not the case for me. When it comes to the core classes of whatever degree I pick, I want to actually learn and upskill.

I found this forum recently and was introduced to TESU. Though I still don't know much about the school it looks like it could be a good option for a CS degree with lots of people saying it's better if you have a lot of transfer credits (since you can transfer in a higher percentage of credits than you can at WGU), while WGU is better if you have industry experience and can finish the degree quickly by testing out of classes.

I enrolled in some CS classes in the past, and I think something like WGU's software engineering degree or a data degree is probably a better fit for me over CS. Learning about assembly, compilers, operating systems, architecture, and the like just doesn't interest me. Is there an alternative to WGU's SE degree out there that focuses more on the practical application of programming? It's too bad TESU only has a CS degree. On the other hand, a CS degree opens a lot of doors and employers like it.

I'm still not decided on which degree I want to get, and honestly don't think I will be until I'm exposed to more of the material. I think data analytics could be a good match for me too, but I have no hands-on experience with it other than reading about it. I'm planning to take some data focused courses on Sophia or other platforms where I can earn transferable credit while learning so I have something to show for it. If I like the data stuff a lot, I might be open to a double major. Is this a good path for now to build relevant credits while also learning exactly what I want to study? Are there any obvious degree options I'm missing? Thanks

[ItsNeverTheLionsYear]

Post the credits you do have. The specific credits will affect which program will be cheapest, take the least amount of time, etc.

My advice would be to pick a degree and plan for it explicitly. You'll spend a lot less money on Sophia, SDC, etc, doing it with a plan. IMO it doesn't really matter which one you pick as long as it's an RA degree from a nonprofit or public school. At the price point we work with here the schools are all "fine but not at all prestigious". 

In terms of what you'll learn, that depends on how you learn. I personally learned next to nothing from my Sophia and SDC classes, but have learned a ton from my more structured classes, because that learning environment works better for me. If you feel like you're learning plenty from Sophia, you'll learn from WGU.

The big options discussed here for a CS/SWE degree are indeed the WGU and TESU CS bachelors. They're by far the best online sub 10k options on the market in terms of flexibility and not being predatory towards students. 

Here's a breakdown of the programs I'm aware of that are online, $10k or less, regionally accredited, from a nonprofit or public school, at the undergraduate level and in CS or an adjacent area:

WGU BS CS ($4k/semester): You know it, it's a real CS degree, it's ABET accredited, it's CBE, you can blaze through it if you want to. The downside is no grades which could possibly impact grad school opportunities and the semesters can stack up if you don't complete it quickly. Transfer in as many credits as possible before starting.

WGU BS SWE ($4k/semester): It'll give you an AWS cert and C# if you take that track, but it has all the same disadvantages as the WGU BSCS without the ABET accreditation and a worse name.

TESU BA CS ($5k to $10k total depending on classes):  Because you can basically complete the entire degree with transfer credit you get to pick the rigor of your classes and learning style. I prefer structured classes, which I have been taking at community colleges and online units of b&m schools, so this is the option I went with (and I plugged the gaps with Sophia and SDC). More flexible because of its transfer based nature, so you're less likely to incur extra expenses if your studies are interrupted.

University of the Cumberlands BS CS (Just under $10k if you have the right transfer credits): Accelerated 8 week courses. Relatively strict transfer guidelines. It's a Baptist college so get ready to take several bible classes. Not a popular option on this forum but it's out there.

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee BS Information Systems and Technology ($2.3k per 12 weeks): Available through Wisconsin Flex, which is a collection of CBE programs. Second best school name on the list, but probably the worst program. As far as I know, nobody on this forum has done this program specifically, but Wisconsin Flex programs are apparently super disorganized. Very industry focused curriculum though, and seemingly cheap too.

Fort Hays State BS CS (could be $10k or less depending on your transfer situation): A perfectly fine, conventionally delivered BS CS from a low tier state university in Kansas. Exactly what it says on the tin. Traditional transfer standards apply, which is to say no Sophia or SDC, but some CLEP options. Would take at least 2 years to complete.

University of Florida BS CS ($7k in state): It's a degree from a flagship university that costs $7k if you have Florida residency. Best school name on the list. Conventional delivery, albeit online. Out of state it costs over $30k. Takes two years minimum.

That's about it. There are other options, like the OSU BS CS and the Auburn BS CS, but these will all cost >$30k.

[bluebooger]

...

Here's a breakdown of the programs I'm aware of that are online, $10k or less, regionally accredited, from a nonprofit or public school, at the undergraduate level and in CS or an adjacent area:...

SNHU
Computer Science (BS) (Campus, Online)

https://www.snhu.edu/admission/academic-.../V1S14E8tg

https://www.snhu.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/online

Code:

Online Undergraduate Programs
Per Credit Hour          Per 3-Credit Course          Annual Cost for 30 creditsOnline Undergraduate Degrees/Certificates
$330                        $990                               $9,900

https://www.snhu.edu/admission/transferring-credits

How many credits will transfer?

Undergraduate students at Southern New Hampshire University are able to transfer credits that equal up to 75% of their program here.
That means:

• Up to 45 credits toward an associate degree
  
• Up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree
  
• You'll have a free credit evaluation completed as part of the application review. Then you'll receive it upon acceptance to SNHU!
  

"We'll transfer in any or all credits or experiences that fall within our transfer guidelines," said Brielle Amazeen, a transfer credit specialist at SNHU. "We compare course descriptions from other schools to SNHU courses to determine if they are equivalent to one of our courses or if they should transfer in as an elective."

Courses with a grade of C- or higher are generally transferable for online students. Courses must be at the college level from an accredited institution and must fit the requirements of your degree program.
Program requirements include:

• Bachelor's: Complete 30 credits at SNHU – including the final 24 – with four of those classes (12 credits) within your major.
  
• Associate: Complete your final 15 credits at SNHU, with three of those classes (9 credits) within your major.
  

https://www.snhu.edu/admission/transferr...xperiences

scroll down about 1/5 of the page to see what transfers

[ItsNeverTheLionsYear]

Good catch! You do have to nearly max out transfers to SNHU to make it under $10k, but it's a very good option, especially for industry focused courses. They have a full BS in Data Analytics as well, and a SWE concentration under the CS degree.

[bjcheung77]

@awildstudentappeared, great introduction post with most of the info on the addendum and template, nice... (you didn't mention which state you're in though!) You'll get various recommendations that will sway you in different directions. Here's mine in addition to what's there, you've got a budget of 10K, you can do the WGU BS of your choice and do the WG MS Data Analytics, add them both together and you've got a 'one and done' option for under your budget and time. Now, if you're in a state that endorses WGU, that's all you need...

[Hotdogman1]

Another fast option with a decent reputation is CUNY School of Professional Studies, online BS in Information Systems (~$5,655.55).
You can transfer in as many credits as you want but 15 credit hours must be done at the school to graduate. Since you already have 60+ RA credits, you would probably need to do a couple more CLEP/DSST exams and several Coursera courses (Google Data Analytics, Google Project Management, and Google IT support) to hit 105 Credits hours.
Cost: $70 application fee + $350 (out of state online tuition) * 15 credit hours (residency) + approx. $335.55 (additional fees) = $5,655.55
Even if you don’t go this route, I would recommend you do the Google Data Analytics on Coursera. It serves as a decent introductory course in data analytics, and if you decide you’re not interested, you can still get 12 credit hours (depending on the school).

[awildstudentappeared]

...

The big options discussed here for a CS/SWE degree are indeed the WGU and TESU CS bachelors. They're by far the best online sub 10k options on the market in terms of flexibility and not being predatory towards students. 

Here's a breakdown of the programs I'm aware of that are online, $10k or less, regionally accredited, from a nonprofit or public school, at the undergraduate level and in CS or an adjacent area:

WGU BS CS ($4k/semester): You know it, it's a real CS degree, it's ABET accredited, it's CBE, you can blaze through it if you want to. The downside is no grades which could possibly impact grad school opportunities and the semesters can stack up if you don't complete it quickly. Transfer in as many credits as possible before starting.

WGU BS SWE ($4k/semester): It'll give you an AWS cert and C# if you take that track, but it has all the same disadvantages as the WGU BSCS without the ABET accreditation and a worse name.

TESU BA CS ($5k to $10k total depending on classes):  Because you can basically complete the entire degree with transfer credit you get to pick the rigor of your classes and learning style. I prefer structured classes, which I have been taking at community colleges and online units of b&m schools, so this is the option I went with (and I plugged the gaps with Sophia and SDC). More flexible because of its transfer based nature, so you're less likely to incur extra expenses if your studies are interrupted.

University of the Cumberlands BS CS (Just under $10k if you have the right transfer credits): Accelerated 8 week courses. Relatively strict transfer guidelines. It's a Baptist college so get ready to take several bible classes. Not a popular option on this forum but it's out there.

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee BS Information Systems and Technology ($2.3k per 12 weeks): Available through Wisconsin Flex, which is a collection of CBE programs. Second best school name on the list, but probably the worst program. As far as I know, nobody on this forum has done this program specifically, but Wisconsin Flex programs are apparently super disorganized. Very industry focused curriculum though, and seemingly cheap too.

Fort Hays State BS CS (could be $10k or less depending on your transfer situation): A perfectly fine, conventionally delivered BS CS from a low tier state university in Kansas. Exactly what it says on the tin. Traditional transfer standards apply, which is to say no Sophia or SDC, but some CLEP options. Would take at least 2 years to complete.

University of Florida BS CS ($7k in state): It's a degree from a flagship university that costs $7k if you have Florida residency. Best school name on the list. Conventional delivery, albeit online. Out of state it costs over $30k. Takes two years minimum.

That's about it. There are other options, like the OSU BS CS and the Auburn BS CS, but these will all cost >$30k.

I just wanted to add to this the online Software Engineering BS I found at Kennesaw State, which ranks above Fort Hays State but below University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in the rankings I saw.

They've also got some IT degrees and a game design degree. I don't think I'll be applying here as I'm looking to finish in less than 2 years and they don't accept 3rd party credits like Sophia, but at $185 a credit it's not too expensive and maybe someone will find it useful. They accept international students too. I did a google search for "Kennesaw State Degreeforum" and almost nothing showed up.

Transfer info: https://www.kennesaw.edu/registrar/transfer/

Transfer articulation "search engine": https://owlexpress.kennesaw.edu/prodban/...find_state

List of online degrees: https://programfinder.kennesaw.edu/s/sea...inder-meta

Tuition rates: https://fiscalservices.kennesaw.edu/burs...n-fees.php

Software Engineering course catalog: https://catalog.kennesaw.edu/preview_pro...&poid=6296

That being said, as I've read more about these different options, I think something I was underestimating was the usefulness of having an online community of other students getting the same degree. All the WGU students have large reddit and facebook groups or Discord channels where they can get help when they're stuck on something. TESU students have this site. With something like programming especially, getting stuck is a matter of when, not if. If someone were to pick one of these lesser known degrees, they'd be more or less on their own. Something to consider.