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+--- Thread: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? (/Thread-International-Student-Chile-seeking-advice-South-College-vs-GGU-UpGrad-for-DBA)
International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - qwiqwiqwi - 01-01-2026
Hi everyone
,I’m writing from Chile. I’ve been reading the forum for a while and have learned a lot from you all. I finally decided to post to get your perspective on my specific situation.
My Profile:
- Background: Biomedical Engineer with experience in Healthcare Management (Public Sector).
- Education Status: I have completed my WES Evaluation, which verifies my credentials as equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's and Master's degree (GPA 3.33).
- Goal: I want to pursue an online DBA (or potentially a DHA) to support my career growth in healthcare leadership.
- South College (CBE Model):
- I like the speed potential, but I am worried about the cost variable. Since I am international, I can't access federal aid, so if I get stuck or life gets busy, the term-based pricing could become expensive quickly.
- I like the speed potential, but I am worried about the cost variable. Since I am international, I can't access federal aid, so if I get stuck or life gets busy, the term-based pricing could become expensive quickly.
- Golden Gate University / Edgewood (via UpGrad):
- I found these options which seem to offer a fixed price for international students (approx. $12k-$15k total). This feels financially "safer," but maybe less flexible than a pure CBE program.
- I found these options which seem to offer a fixed price for international students (approx. $12k-$15k total). This feels financially "safer," but maybe less flexible than a pure CBE program.
Is the "UpGrad" fixed-price model the smarter move for an international student, or is the potential speed of South College worth the risk?
Any advice or other universities I should look at would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - wow - 01-02-2026
I have read recently that, due to changes in the program, the South DBA now takes a minimum of three terms, bringing it to $21,000.
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - qwiqwiqwi - 01-02-2026
Ouch. Thanks for saving me there. I had no idea about the 3-term minimum.
That definitely kills South for me price-wise.
With that off the table, is GGU (via UpGrad) the only safe bet left under $20k? Or do you have any other suggestions I should look into?
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - wow - 01-02-2026
Edgewood University through UpGrad might also be an option. I'm not surer what the tuotion is not, but historically it's been under $14,000 for non-US residents. We also have a Wiki page dedicated to doctoral degrees: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Doctoral_studies
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - bjcheung77 - 01-03-2026
Got your PM, instead of replying, I'll just type it here. I would do the UK Level 8 diploma and then a top up at Westcliff for their DBA as a first choice. Edgewood would be a very close second choice as they use the UpGrad Learning System and there may be some people who can't handle the English and the learning style or system, your third choice can be a combination of the UK Level 8 and another final institution you want to go with...
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - qwiqwiqwi - 01-03-2026
(01-03-2026, 02:20 AM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Got your PM, instead of replying, I'll just type it here. I would do the UK Level 8 diploma and then a top up at Westcliff for their DBA as a first choice. Edgewood would be a very close second choice as they use the UpGrad Learning System and there may be some people who can't handle the English and the learning style or system, your third choice can be a combination of the UK Level 8 and another final institution you want to go with...
Quote:Thanks for the push, I really appreciate it. I decided to follow your advice and just enrolled in the Level 8 Diploma with LSIB today (the Qualifi one, course L8DSML-QU).
Since I plan to finish this over the next 9 months or so, I wanted to ask for your perspective on the timeline based on what you have seen on the forum over the years:
Do you think I should reach out to Westcliff admissions right now to open a file and mention I am on this path, or is it better to wait until I have the final certificate in hand? I am asking because I want to make sure the transition is smooth.
Also, do you have any general tips for dealing with LSIB or the assignments? I have read that sometimes the feedback or admin side can be a bit slow, so any heads-up on what to expect would be great.
Thanks again for the help.
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - Mint Berry Crunch - 01-03-2026
(01-02-2026, 09:16 AM)wow Wrote: I have read recently that, due to changes in the program, the South DBA now takes a minimum of three terms, bringing it to $21,000.
Sheesh, and here I was talking with some people outside of the forum who were interested in doing a DBA. IIRC, it was originally $6k for a 6 month period, but I believe that has changed, no? Now to hear times are tougher, I am now inclined to no longer recommend the program. However, it would appear that doing Morgan State University's PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies would provide a great outlet for individuals who have academic knowledge in several areas to do a doctoral program that fits them. If I recall, its about $15k? That's pretty cheap compared to the doctoral program I'm in with TESU which is roughly $40k.
Last I heard about South College, there was a Facebook group that was discussing about how the college seemingly dragged out the dissertation process to bring in more money cash. I would look at other universities now.
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - wolfch - 01-25-2026
(01-03-2026, 02:20 AM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Got your PM, instead of replying, I'll just type it here. I would do the UK Level 8 diploma and then a top up at Westcliff for their DBA as a first choice. Edgewood would be a very close second choice as they use the UpGrad Learning System and there may be some people who can't handle the English and the learning style or system, your third choice can be a combination of the UK Level 8 and another final institution you want to go with...
What is the cost of the Westcliff DBA for those with a UK Level 8 qualification?
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - UoBoomer - 01-28-2026
(01-25-2026, 08:54 AM)wolfch Wrote:(01-03-2026, 02:20 AM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Got your PM, instead of replying, I'll just type it here. I would do the UK Level 8 diploma and then a top up at Westcliff for their DBA as a first choice. Edgewood would be a very close second choice as they use the UpGrad Learning System and there may be some people who can't handle the English and the learning style or system, your third choice can be a combination of the UK Level 8 and another final institution you want to go with...
What is the cost of the Westcliff DBA for those with a UK Level 8 qualification?
Would also like to know.
RE: International Student (Chile) seeking advice: South College vs. GGU (UpGrad) for DBA? - bjcheung77 - 01-29-2026
Here's an example partnership with Westcliff, this should also be RA and have ACBSP as well.
DBA partnership link: https://www.univaf.com/courses/dba-doctorate-of-business-administration/
Univaf offers a scholarship to all applicants up to 80%.
$12,374 with 80% scholarship
$29,950 with advance payment
$35,950 with installment
$61,870 regular payment without discounts