Thomas Edison State College associate degree or bachelors?

[High_Order1]

I'm not a graduate,

but I researched this *extensively* before I ever, ever, ever laid the first penny or minute of study down.

Here is my opinion; sample size = 1


You're fine in about 85-90% of cases.

For a fact, the US Government accepts a TESU degree and I never found an instance where they were selective about it.
For a fact, the state of Tennessee accepts TESU degrees. Same about not finding where they discriminated against one degree conferrer over another.

My experience with these things prior to starting around Feb / Mar of last year was that online schools that weren't an offshoot of a 'name brand' brick and mortar college were scams at best, and lies at most. Reference ITT Tech, for instance. I had friends that went that route, and (yes, I know. It was a b&m school, too. Allow me some leeway) then when they tried to pursue a successive degree, it was for naught. I know of at least one instance where they were told it wasn't acceptable for employment, but I forget the specifics now.

Then you always had those 'send me a grand, and I'll send you a paper with Phd conferred on it' diploma mills.


So, that's why I say 85 - 90%. I am betting there are still dinosaurs who are thinking like I thought out there, and in positions to deny you a job. But that number continues to shrink.

Factually, getting a valid, legit degree online, in some cases, totally online is a real thing, and it is a disruptive influence on society and collegiate life in particular. In response, greater numbers of college systems are having to bow to this trend. The community college I used to work for just last year began portfolio assessments and relaxed restrictions on where credits could transfer in from.

I suspect there are several drivers behind this; but I'm trying to keep my answer readable. Just know this, there is no way, NO way I'd be investing thousands in TESU if I didn't think a) it was not going to lead to a quote / unquote 'real' degree, and b) that there would be a place that after handholding them if necessary, wouldn't accept it.

I am not a TESU shill, btw. I am a very very cautious consumer of college products, and am applying a small inheritance to furthering my education.