Updated Big 3 Comparison

[blu2blu]

1)Each of the 3 schools requires 30 Upper Level credits for a Bachelor's Degree (as of June 30, 2010, COSC now requires 30 UL credits instead of 15 – I was so bummed about that)

TESC only requires 18 UL credits. Further down in the post you did correct yourself though.

[iCLEP2]

Thanks for this post!!...wish I read it a few hours ago before I paid $75 to apply to Excelsior.

[Kaz]

Not the most useful tidbit, but Excelsior will let you get a third undergraduate degree. TESC won't. COSC's catalog didn't say one way or the other but the safe bet is no, as that's the industry standard. Excelsior will make you jump through a lot of hoops before they decide if they'll let you get a third degree except if it's in nursing. Yes, you can just waltz in with your two completed bachelor's in non-nursing stuff and start their undergrad nursing program.

[NewTestTaker]

This is a great post Kevin, it is my first time here and the post is most helpful! Answered most of my questions today!
Thanks!

[ann70821]

Excelsior College doesn't sound any more fake to me than Eureka College.

But other than that, thanks for the update.

[stevemb88]

Thank you for this post! I have spent HOURS researching all three, and then stumbled upon this thread which confirms information I had and raised and answered some new concerns.

Two things I would like to add, which I did not see on here is that TESC has classes that start every month. Which, while I haven't taken courses with them, seems like it could be very beneficial. The other thing is that while COSC has traditional semesters and do not offer classes every month, they do offer classes by semester (15 weeks), term (8 weeks - two terms in a semester), AND session (5 weeks - three sessions per semester). So if you took one, 3 SH course per timeline you would have 3 SH by semester, 6 SH by term, and an awesome 9 SH by session. Be cautioned however, only certain classes are offered in these ways. Check the COSC Course Brochure and check with an advisor or admissions assistant to make sure when and how the classes are offered!