Will graduate schools in the United States and abroad accept an online college degree

[wildebeest]

I would say that if you want to get into a top-tier school, a degree from TESU/EU/WGU will not necessarily HELP you, but they may HURT you - mostly because you're going to be doing a degree via alt-credit, which does not give grades.  If I wanted to go to a school like that, I'd probably choose a school where I had at least 30 if not 60 graded credits, with most being A's.

There are schools we discuss on here, which will take a lot of alt-credit, but which also offer many more graded credits, which are much more helpful to applying to top schools.

No, you cannot take courses on campus at TESU, EU, or WGU (except if you're a nursing student at EU or TESU, in which case you would be spending a lot of money and taking all of your nursing courses on campus or in a clinical setting).

This is probably true, and I will also note that even less than top tier schools may want to know how you did on your alt credits. For instance, I enrolled in a program at Eastern Illinois University (a perfectly good state school, which I am enjoying, but they're not nipping at Harvard's heels), and they required I send a graded transcript from Study.com so they could calculate my overall GPA. This isn't a reason not to do alt credits, but I think it's a very good reason to aim higher than bare minimum P grades.

[eLearner]

Harvard College has acceptance rate of 3.2%, however, the other graduate colleges are not 3.2%. Example, Harvard Graduate School of Education has around 35% acceptance rate; Harvard Graduate School of Design has round 17%; John F. Kennedy School of Government around 33%. There is a big difference between only thinking 3.2% vs 33%. 

source: https://www.petersons.com/graduate-schoo...13347.aspx

Higher numbers don't directly reflect a decrease of competitiveness in this context. A good number of the people accepted into those graduate programs are still going to fall into the types of categories I lightly touched on earlier:

- Harvard Bachelor's degree holders

- Harvard Master's degree holders (we have to keep in mind that the graduate schools also have PhD programs so Harvard Master's holders are going to be in the mix, and some Master's holders will also go for a second Master's though there are some restrictions on that at Harvard)

^ So those two types are almost certain to get priority even if it's meant to be unintentional.

- Bachelor's and Master's degree holders from top prestige schools (Other Ivy's)

And beneath that, some students from schools considered not quite as prestigious (but still strong reputations, name brands) like USC, Stanford, Notre Dame, etc. Then at the bottom of that, a sprinkle of lucky students from mid-tiered schools, then a smidge of students from lower-tiered school... and then beneath that you might find a couple of students from the lowest-tiered schools like TESU, WGU, etc... and even "a couple" is going to be a generous estimate in any given year.

Optimism is a good thing, but being realistic isn't the opposite of optimism. Realism can help a person plan rationally with a rational outlook and set realistic expectations.

So I'll reiterate that it's possible, but not very probable. Edge cases don't change that.

[KSoul]

And, we still land on the only answer of yes, you can. It would be naive to assume anyone in the forum would think the feat would be easy. However, the comparison of optimism and realistic doesn't apply to the forum. Just spending a weekend or two and reading about countless accomplishments from people who did unrealistic things like completing a degree from 0-120 credits in 6 months, a master's in one term, no degree to earning a bachelor, master's, and then doctorate late in life. Probability is often rooted in one's limited beliefs, which is why the world marvels at accomplishments by others because they could never see themself pulling the stunt off.

Is it realistic to think the OP without a degree will one day get into Harvard? Not knowing how driven the OP is or having a gauge of his intelligence, it is impossible to say; however, taking being realistic off the board, earning a degree from the schools mentioned in this forum won't stop him from this lofty goal and even better, might open his mind to the countless creative ways he actually might be able to pull it off. And, I hope he/him/her/she/them that comes into this forum continues to break all of these unrealistic barriers traditionalist hold up.

[eLearner]

@KSoul And, we still land on the only answer of yes, you can.

It's more like, you could ("could" denoting a lesser/weak possibility, whereas "can" denotes a greater/strong possibility").

It would be naive to assume anyone in the forum would think the feat would be easy. 

I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm far from naive. If anything, the points I'm making demonstrate that as opposed to the opposite points being made. Moreover, I've made no assumptions about people thinking it would be easy. I'm speaking only in terms of possibility and probability, leaning more toward probability (and how low it is in this case) since anything is possible but that doesn't mean it's very probable.

However, the comparison of optimism and realistic doesn't apply to the forum. Just spending a weekend or two and reading about countless accomplishments from people who did unrealistic things like completing a degree from 0-120 credits in 6 months, a master's in one term, no degree to earning a bachelor, master's, and then doctorate late in life. Probability is often rooted in one's limited beliefs, which is why the world marvels at accomplishments by others because they could never see themself pulling the stunt off.

Apples and oranges. You're describing self-determination to complete a task that a person is usually already eligible for. It's commendable but very different than getting into Harvard Graduate School with a degree from a school perceived at the bottom of the academic hierarchy. That's simply because completing those education tasks you mentioned really are largely and mostly up to the individual: those schools are generally open enrollment and therefore non-competitive. In the Harvard situation, the school is not open enrollment and enrollment is extremely competitive, so much of an individual's control in the matter is going to be given away to those who will decide on their enrollment when the time comes.

Is it realistic to think the OP without a degree will one day get into Harvard? Not knowing how driven the OP is or having a gauge of his intelligence, it is impossible to say; however, taking being realistic off the board, earning a degree from the schools mentioned in this forum won't stop him from this lofty goal and even better, might open his mind to the countless creative ways he actually might be able to pull it off. And, I hope her/she/them that comes into this forum continues to break all of these unrealistic barriers traditionalist hold up.

I hope the person does whatever they want to do as well, but I also don't want to see someone lose out by putting all of their eggs in one basket, which is why I left another post detailing some alternatives that include Harvard. Having a plan B, C or more is never a bad thing.

[HogwartsSchool]

Harvard College has acceptance rate of 3.2%, however, the other graduate colleges are not 3.2%. Example, Harvard Graduate School of Education has around 35% acceptance rate; Harvard Graduate School of Design has round 17%; John F. Kennedy School of Government around 33%. There is a big difference between only thinking 3.2% vs 33%. 

source: https://www.petersons.com/graduate-schoo...13347.aspx

Higher numbers don't directly reflect a decrease of competitiveness in this context. A good number of the people accepted into those graduate programs are still going to fall into the types of categories I lightly touched on earlier:

- Harvard Bachelor's degree holders

- Harvard Master's degree holders (we have to keep in mind that the graduate schools also have PhD programs so Harvard Master's holders are going to be in the mix, and some Master's holders will also go for a second Master's though there are some restrictions on that at Harvard)

^ So those two types are almost certain to get priority even if it's meant to be unintentional.

- Bachelor's and Master's degree holders from top prestige schools (Other Ivy's)

And beneath that, some students from schools considered not quite as prestigious (but still strong reputations, name brands) like USC, Stanford, Notre Dame, etc. Then at the bottom of that, a sprinkle of lucky students from mid-tiered schools, then a smidge of students from lower-tiered school... and then beneath that you might find a couple of students from the lowest-tiered schools like TESU, WGU, etc... and even "a couple" is going to be a generous estimate in any given year.

Optimism is a good thing, but being realistic isn't the opposite of optimism. Realism can help a person plan rationally with a rational outlook and set realistic expectations.

So I'll reiterate that it's possible, but not very probable. Edge cases don't change that.

Harvard gives special treatment to legacy students/applicants. The OP can't change the fact that the OP is not a legacy student/applicant. Agree that Harvard will give special treatment to other Harvard College, Yale, and MIT applicants. I agree as well, IVY students don't have all the hurdles I list below but demonstrating overcoming those hurdles can separate oneself from the pack. 

I can list a million reasons why someone would never get accepted; however, I would prefer to list the hurdles that someone can manage while understanding the odds. Unexpected success is a combo of hard work and just plain luck. 

Things someone can manage. Example. Go to UMPI, graduate with a degree, summa cum laude. Develop relationships with the professors. Go to WGU, and graduate with a Master's. Again, develop relationships with the professors. Join associations related to your field, get a specialized certificate in your area, and intern for various projects. Develop a strong resume. Have strong professor recommendations. Separate yourself from everyone else in your personal statement with a bold story about your background and why you would succeed at X college and life afterward, again demonstratingthe hurdles you have overcome. Reach out to the school before admission, meet the faculty, other students, etc. Show them your interest and why they should accept you. Apply for Harvard, even if it's a 10% odd of being accepted and most importantly, have backup schools where you also apply. 

Additional note: Some IVY universities are better about accepting students, not just from other IVY schools. Research is fundamental in the application process. 

[KSoul]

@KSoul And, we still land on the only answer of yes, you can.

It's more like, you could ("could" denoting a lesser/weak possibility, whereas "can" denotes a greater/strong possibility").

It would be naive to assume anyone in the forum would think the feat would be easy. 

I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm far from naive. If anything, the points I'm making demonstrate that as opposed to the opposite points being made. Moreover, I've made no assumptions about people thinking it would be easy. I'm speaking only in terms of possibility and probability, leaning more toward probability (and how low it is in this case) since anything is possible but that doesn't mean it's very probable.

However, the comparison of optimism and realistic doesn't apply to the forum. Just spending a weekend or two and reading about countless accomplishments from people who did unrealistic things like completing a degree from 0-120 credits in 6 months, a master's in one term, no degree to earning a bachelor, master's, and then doctorate late in life. Probability is often rooted in one's limited beliefs, which is why the world marvels at accomplishments by others because they could never see themself pulling the stunt off.

Apples and oranges. You're describing self-determination to complete a task that a person is usually already eligible for. It's commendable but very different than getting into Harvard Graduate School with a degree from a school perceived at the bottom of the academic hierarchy. That's simply because completing those education tasks you mentioned really are largely and mostly up to the individual: those schools are generally open enrollment and therefore non-competitive. In the Harvard situation, the school is not open enrollment and enrollment is extremely competitive, so much of an individual's control in the matter is going to be given away to those who will decide on their enrollment when the time comes.

Is it realistic to think the OP without a degree will one day get into Harvard? Not knowing how driven the OP is or having a gauge of his intelligence, it is impossible to say; however, taking being realistic off the board, earning a degree from the schools mentioned in this forum won't stop him from this lofty goal and even better, might open his mind to the countless creative ways he actually might be able to pull it off. And, I hope her/she/them that comes into this forum continues to break all of these unrealistic barriers traditionalist hold up.

I hope the person does whatever they want to do as well, but I also don't want to see someone lose out by putting all of their eggs in one basket, which is why I left another post detailing some alternatives that include Harvard. Having a plan B, C or more is never a bad thing.

I enjoyed reading your response and can see why you selected these words. Having come from a large family and lived in several countries, I am biased toward my experiences of people succeeding at what seemed insurmountable obstacles and some failing because of minuscule hurdles. Some choose statistics to dictate their outcome, and some throw out the numbers and find a way when there seems to be none.

Overall, it is more fun to hope you are at least 1% off and imagine what this OP and others can do with a 1% chance vs. me being 99% right and the OP and others not trying because they chose to be realistic. That would have the making of such a boring life for me.

[FastTrackDegree]

Umass Amherst has an online Accounting or Finance BBA, It's $475-$482 per credit and you can transfer up to 75 credits. That school is good enough to get into Harvard with the right background and GRE/GMAT etc. Take at least 60 graded credits, probably best to skip alternative sources. You could for example take 60 credits at UMPI or other competency based program instead.

[dfrecore]

You could for example take 60 credits at UMPI or other competency based program instead.

Snow College has an Accelerated Online Associate Degree for $1,898 (US) or $3,500 (Int'l) for a 4mo term (1 semester) that is self-paced, you choose your courses, and you can do as much as possible in that time period.

TX residents have a couple of inexpensive options as well.

[HogwartsSchool]

If time and financial resources are not a concern.
1. UMPI for 60 credits, still need excellent grades.
2. Transfer to Penn (Ivy League school), it's Penn LPS Online’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
3. Graduate with a bachelor's with magna cum laude. Now you have a bachelor's degree from a Ivy League school in the US.
4. Apply to Harvard Graduate School. The overall acceptance rate won't change for Harvard's program but your odds might improve some because you graduated from a Ivy League School.

Of course there is always the other route I mentioned earlier. At the end of the day, it's all about drive, time and financial resources.

[ss20ts]

If time and financial resources are not a concern.
1. UMPI for 60 credits, still need excellent grades.
2. Transfer to Penn (Ivy League school), it's Penn LPS Online’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
3. Graduate with a bachelor's with magna cum laude. Now you have a bachelor's degree from a Ivy League school in the US.
4. Apply to Harvard Graduate School. The overall acceptance rate won't change for Harvard's program but your odds might improve some because you graduated from a Ivy League School.

Of course there is always the other route I mentioned earlier. At the end of the day, it's all about drive, time and financial resources.

Summa cum laude is higher and would be better than magna cum laude. Not nearly as easy as it sounds. Keep in mind that Latin Honors varies by school as well.