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Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - help-0982 - 06-11-2026

Hello everyone,
I am from Bangladesh and I am planning to complete the TESU BS in Computer Science. I have spent the last three days researching TESU and reading many DegreeForum posts, but I am still struggling to find the best path forward.
I have already completed 54 credits at a university in my home country. Unfortunately, those credits are not RA credits, and because of the transfer evaluation process, I do not think I will be able to use them as ACE credits either.
My current plan is to complete as many credits as possible through Sophia and Study.com because they are affordable. I believe I can earn around 90 ACE credits this way. However, the biggest obstacle for me is the 15 RA credit requirement.
My goal is to finish the degree as quickly and cheaply as possible. Ideally, I would like to complete everything in a single TESU term, or by using the new 4-week accelerated courses.
I have researched alternative sources of RA credit but have not found many good options. I looked into TEL Learning, but it appears they changed their policy. From what I understand, students are limited in how many courses they can take and must follow the semester schedule. I also looked at TECEP exams, but they seem challenging, and I am unsure which ones are realistic for a student studying independently.
My budget is limited. I can probably spend around $1,000-$1,500 to earn the remaining RA credits, but spending significantly more would be difficult because I come from a middle-class family.
I would greatly appreciate advice on the following questions:
  1. Is there currently any affordable way to earn 15 RA credits outside of TESU courses?
  2. Which TECEP exams are generally considered the easiest to pass?
  3. If I transfer in around 90 credits, is it realistic to complete the TESU BS in Computer Science in a single term if I can study full-time?
  4. After paying the $50 application fee, can I receive an official evaluation and work with an advisor to map out my remaining credits before enrolling in courses?
  5. Is there another university that would allow me to complete a Computer Science degree faster or more affordably? I know TESU is considered one of the fastest options, but the 15 RA credit requirement has become a major obstacle for me.
  6. From my understanding, one TESU term would only allow me to earn about 16 RA credits, and I may still need an additional 4-week accelerated course to meet the requirements. If my goal is to graduate this year, what would be the most realistic and cost-effective strategy? Should I combine one regular TESU term with a 4-week accelerated course, focus on TECEP exams, or pursue another approach?
I would also appreciate any realistic advice. I am completely new to DegreeForum and still trying to understand the best strategy. My goal is to finish my degree before the end of this year if possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - origamishuttle - 06-11-2026

To clarify a couple things, the requirement is 30 RA credits total, including any courses/TECEPs you take at TESU. There is also a 15-credit minimum in TESU courses (TECEPs don't count) to avoid the accelerate fee. Either way, total cost will be more than $5,000. Do you need a Computer Science degree specifically, or would another degree work for you?

RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - LevelUP - 06-11-2026

Here are answers to your questions

(06-11-2026, 01:11 AM)help-0982 Wrote: I would greatly appreciate advice on the following questions:

  1. Is there currently any affordable way to earn 15 RA credits outside of TESU courses?
    TECEP exams

  2. Which TECEP exams are generally considered the easiest to pass?
    list here: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison_Credit_by_Exam_Program

  3. If I transfer in around 90 credits, is it realistic to complete the TESU BS in Computer Science in a single term if I can study full-time?
    Yes 15 credits in one flat-rate term can be done.

  4. After paying the $50 application fee, can I receive an official evaluation and work with an advisor to map out my remaining credits before enrolling in courses?
    Yes, acedemic advisors can preplan your courses

  5. Is there another university that would allow me to complete a Computer Science degree faster or more affordably? I know TESU is considered one of the fastest options, but the 15 RA credit requirement has become a major obstacle for me.
    University of the People you can do that Computer Science degree for under $2000 if you transfer in 90 credits.  Link

  6. From my understanding, one TESU term would only allow me to earn about 16 RA credits, and I may still need an additional 4-week accelerated course to meet the requirements. If my goal is to graduate this year, what would be the most realistic and cost-effective strategy? Should I combine one regular TESU term with a 4-week accelerated course, focus on TECEP exams, or pursue another approach?
    Most cost effective is one 3 month flat-rate 15 credit term for $4,561

I would also appreciate any realistic advice. I am completely new to DegreeForum and still trying to understand the best strategy. My goal is to finish my degree before the end of this year if possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - Jonathan Whatley - 06-11-2026

A few other DegreeForum favorite “freebies/cheapies” for RA credit:


RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - help-0982 - 06-11-2026

(06-11-2026, 07:38 AM)LevelUP Wrote: Here are answers to your questions

(06-11-2026, 01:11 AM)help-0982 Wrote: I would greatly appreciate advice on the following questions:

  1. Is there currently any affordable way to earn 15 RA credits outside of TESU courses?
    TECEP exams

  2. Which TECEP exams are generally considered the easiest to pass?
    list here: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison_Credit_by_Exam_Program

  3. If I transfer in around 90 credits, is it realistic to complete the TESU BS in Computer Science in a single term if I can study full-time?
    Yes 15 credits in one flat-rate term can be done.

  4. After paying the $50 application fee, can I receive an official evaluation and work with an advisor to map out my remaining credits before enrolling in courses?
    Yes, acedemic advisors can preplan your courses

  5. Is there another university that would allow me to complete a Computer Science degree faster or more affordably? I know TESU is considered one of the fastest options, but the 15 RA credit requirement has become a major obstacle for me.
    University of the People you can do that Computer Science degree for under $2000 if you transfer in 90 credits.  Link

  6. From my understanding, one TESU term would only allow me to earn about 16 RA credits, and I may still need an additional 4-week accelerated course to meet the requirements. If my goal is to graduate this year, what would be the most realistic and cost-effective strategy? Should I combine one regular TESU term with a 4-week accelerated course, focus on TECEP exams, or pursue another approach?
    Most cost effective is one 3 month flat-rate 15 credit term for $4,561

I would also appreciate any realistic advice. I am completely new to DegreeForum and still trying to understand the best strategy. My goal is to finish my degree before the end of this year if possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Is it possilbe to finish University of the People within 6 month if I transfer 90 ace ?

RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - LevelUP - 06-11-2026

(06-11-2026, 09:40 AM)help-0982 Wrote:
(06-11-2026, 07:38 AM)LevelUP Wrote: Here are answers to your questions

(06-11-2026, 01:11 AM)help-0982 Wrote: I would greatly appreciate advice on the following questions:

  1. Is there currently any affordable way to earn 15 RA credits outside of TESU courses?
    TECEP exams

  2. Which TECEP exams are generally considered the easiest to pass?
    list here: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison_Credit_by_Exam_Program

  3. If I transfer in around 90 credits, is it realistic to complete the TESU BS in Computer Science in a single term if I can study full-time?
    Yes 15 credits in one flat-rate term can be done.

  4. After paying the $50 application fee, can I receive an official evaluation and work with an advisor to map out my remaining credits before enrolling in courses?
    Yes, acedemic advisors can preplan your courses

  5. Is there another university that would allow me to complete a Computer Science degree faster or more affordably? I know TESU is considered one of the fastest options, but the 15 RA credit requirement has become a major obstacle for me.
    University of the People you can do that Computer Science degree for under $2000 if you transfer in 90 credits.  Link

  6. From my understanding, one TESU term would only allow me to earn about 16 RA credits, and I may still need an additional 4-week accelerated course to meet the requirements. If my goal is to graduate this year, what would be the most realistic and cost-effective strategy? Should I combine one regular TESU term with a 4-week accelerated course, focus on TECEP exams, or pursue another approach?
    Most cost effective is one 3 month flat-rate 15 credit term for $4,561

I would also appreciate any realistic advice. I am completely new to DegreeForum and still trying to understand the best strategy. My goal is to finish my degree before the end of this year if possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Is it possilbe to finish University of the People within 6 month if I transfer 90 ace ?

Probably not.

Generally, the University of the People allows students to take two courses per term, although some students have taken three or four. Therefore, completing just the 10-course residency requirement could take six months by itself.

RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - mylo - 06-11-2026

I strongly recommend that you pay a fixed tuition at TESU. After completing 15 credit hours within the semester, you can apply to your advisor to take two additional 3-credit courses. Use these credits to complete the core courses, and make up the remaining credits with ACE credits.

RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - myriam555 - 06-11-2026

If you have a limited budget, like me, save your money for the cost of the two TESU courses: Information Literacy and the Capstone $1275 each for instate tuition (check site for out of state). And the residency waiver fee ($3354, unless you plan to take 15 credits @ TESU). And the graduation fee $298***.

I have RA credits from a previous nursing program but I need 3 more credits which I plan to take @ Pima Community College. I found a resource that listed some options for free and very low-cost RA credit. The link is:

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Free_Sources_of_Credit

I plan to take:
STU 109 - Making Career Choices (2) - $44.89
STU 100 - College Success/Career Planning (1) - free
STU 106 - Choosing Major/College Sccss (1) - $44.89

You can also take TECEP exams, they are like CLEP exams, significantly cheaper (I think $95?) than taking a course, offered by TESU and these count as RA credits.

You are very smart utilizing Sophia and Study.com. I obtained around 60 credits via Sophia, and recently completed 1/2 my Psychology AOS requirements via Study.com and plan to complete the other 1/2 over the next month. Study.com now offers unlimited course completions in their college saver subscription ($235/mo), whereas before a year ago it was 2 per month + 70 for each additional exam.

Many many years ago I remember lots of people taking free FEMA/TEEX Cybersecurity credits and transferring them into the Big 3, I do not know if these are still available or accepted.

To finish a degree before the end of the year, you need to become acquainted with graduation deadlines. I also believe TESU, Excelsior and COSC are still the fastest options, with TESU's BALS possibly being the fastest option (I remember someone here completing it from start to finish in 3 months).
_____
I just realized that you are going for Computer Science. TESU actually accepts the Information Literacy required course via Edx. It is cheaper (I paid $300 something with the 30% off coupon). I realized after I can not utilize it for TESU's BA Bachelor degree, but they explicitly state that Computer Science Majors may utilize this course. You can find it here:

https://www.edx.org/bachelors/microbachelors/tesu-information-literacy

It is 3 months, so make sure it is completed by the external transcripts deadline for your desired month of graduation.

RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - help-0982 - 06-11-2026

(06-11-2026, 01:38 PM)mylo Wrote: I strongly recommend that you pay a fixed tuition at TESU. After completing 15 credit hours within the semester, you can apply to your advisor to take two additional 3-credit courses. Use these credits to complete the core courses, and make up the remaining credits with ACE credits.

If I take 1 term then I can take 15 credits which are RA and I can do more two 3 credits then it will be 21 . Still 9 credit needed so what I should do ?
(06-11-2026, 05:36 PM)myriam555 Wrote: If you have a limited budget, like me, save your money for the cost of the two TESU courses: Information Literacy and the Capstone $1275 each for instate tuition (check site for out of state). And the residency waiver fee ($3354, unless you plan to take 15 credits @ TESU). And the graduation fee $168.

I have RA credits from a previous nursing program but I need 3 more credits which I plan to take @ Pima Community College. I found a resource that listed some options for free and very low-cost RA credit. The link is:

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Free_Sources_of_Credit

I plan to take:
STU 109 - Making Career Choices (2) - $44.89
STU 100 - College Success/Career Planning (1) - free
STU 106 - Choosing Major/College Sccss (1) - $44.89

You can also take TECEP exams, they are like CLEP exams, significantly cheaper (I think $95?) than taking a course, offered by TESU and these count as RA credits.

You are very smart utilizing Sophia and Study.com. I obtained around 60 credits via Sophia, and recently completed 1/2 my Psychology AOS requirements via Study.com and plan to complete the other 1/2 over the next month. Study.com now offers unlimited course completions in their college saver subscription ($235/mo), whereas before a year ago it was 2 per month + 70 for each additional exam.

Many many years ago I remember lots of people taking free FEMA/TEEX Cybersecurity credits and transferring them into the Big 3, I do not know if these are still available or accepted.

To finish a degree before the end of the year, you need to become acquainted with graduation deadlines. I also believe TESU, Excelsior and COSC are still the fastest options, with TESU's BALS possibly being the fastest option (I remember someone here completing it from start to finish in 3 months).
_____
I just realized that you are going for Computer Science. TESU actually accepts the Information Literacy required course via Edx. It is cheaper (I paid $300 something with the 30% off coupon). I realized after I can not utilize it for TESU's BA Bachelor degree, but they explicitly state that Computer Science Majors may utilize this course. You can find it here:

https://www.edx.org/bachelors/microbachelors/tesu-information-literacy

It is 3 months, so make sure it is completed by the external transcripts deadline for your desired month of graduation.

But how to mange 30 credit I thought it would be easy but I tried foram cheap or free like pima college but they do not allow international student . Also same things goes for others . So right now what I should do ? I decided to complete 5 TECEP exam first then take TESU 1 term . And also do not know how to mapping Study com and Sophia?  How can I take help from study advisor ? Please give me answer if you know .

RE: Help For TESU BACS DEGREE - animuscerebri - 06-12-2026

(06-11-2026, 08:18 PM)help-0982 Wrote:
(06-11-2026, 01:38 PM)mylo Wrote: I strongly recommend that you pay a fixed tuition at TESU. After completing 15 credit hours within the semester, you can apply to your advisor to take two additional 3-credit courses. Use these credits to complete the core courses, and make up the remaining credits with ACE credits.

If I take 1 term then I can take 15 credits which are RA and I can do more two 3 credits then it will be 21 . Still 9 credit needed so what I should do ?
(06-11-2026, 05:36 PM)myriam555 Wrote: If you have a limited budget, like me, save your money for the cost of the two TESU courses: Information Literacy and the Capstone $1275 each for instate tuition (check site for out of state). And the residency waiver fee ($3354, unless you plan to take 15 credits @ TESU). And the graduation fee $168.

I have RA credits from a previous nursing program but I need 3 more credits which I plan to take @ Pima Community College. I found a resource that listed some options for free and very low-cost RA credit. The link is:

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Free_Sources_of_Credit

I plan to take:
STU 109 - Making Career Choices (2) - $44.89
STU 100 - College Success/Career Planning (1) - free
STU 106 - Choosing Major/College Sccss (1) - $44.89

You can also take TECEP exams, they are like CLEP exams, significantly cheaper (I think $95?) than taking a course, offered by TESU and these count as RA credits.

You are very smart utilizing Sophia and Study.com. I obtained around 60 credits via Sophia, and recently completed 1/2 my Psychology AOS requirements via Study.com and plan to complete the other 1/2 over the next month. Study.com now offers unlimited course completions in their college saver subscription ($235/mo), whereas before a year ago it was 2 per month + 70 for each additional exam.

Many many years ago I remember lots of people taking free FEMA/TEEX Cybersecurity credits and transferring them into the Big 3, I do not know if these are still available or accepted.

To finish a degree before the end of the year, you need to become acquainted with graduation deadlines. I also believe TESU, Excelsior and COSC are still the fastest options, with TESU's BALS possibly being the fastest option (I remember someone here completing it from start to finish in 3 months).
_____
I just realized that you are going for Computer Science. TESU actually accepts the Information Literacy required course via Edx. It is cheaper (I paid $300 something with the 30% off coupon). I realized after I can not utilize it for TESU's BA Bachelor degree, but they explicitly state that Computer Science Majors may utilize this course. You can find it here:

https://www.edx.org/bachelors/microbachelors/tesu-information-literacy

It is 3 months, so make sure it is completed by the external transcripts deadline for your desired month of graduation.

But how to mange 30 credit I thought it would be easy but I tried foram cheap or free like pima college but they do not allow international student . Also same things goes for others . So right now what I should do ? I decided to complete 5 TECEP exam first then take TESU 1 term . And also do not know how to mapping Study com and Sophia?  How can I take help from study advisor ? Please give me answer if you know .

In my opinion, the cheapest way to get RA credits in your situation is:
a) Get your credits from your home university evaluated by a Foreign Credit Evaluator (FCE), such as WES.org or ACEI or others. You've already done the job, just get them evaluated and transferred in. Foreign credits from a recognized university in your home country are usually recognized as US RA credits.
b) Take classes at the University of Helsinki, Finland or other Finnish universities that let in non-EU nationals. When you're done with those Finnish classes, get them evaluated as well and transfer them in.

You can transfer in up to 90 foreign credits and those 90 foreign credits would be RA credits. Remember that those FCEs charge around $200-300 for one course-by-course evaluation (which you'd need for individual courses), which is still way cheaper than paying regular classes at TESU.

Nonetheless, none of these two options mentioned above are fast, because a) taking classes at Finnish universities may take longer than a TECEP (but it really depends on the individual Finnish class) and b) you need to wait till your transcripts are evaluated by the FCE.

I think the University of Helsinki is probably the best option for you to get relatively inexpensive (there are still many courses that are free, some charge like 30 €) courses and RA credits in English.
The University of Helsinki also has some open university classes in Computer Science. However, analyze how to take some of their final exams; they have recently changed their policies regarding some of their advanced CS courses. Some of their classes now require proctoring in-person at their CS department in Finland. Yet, there are still many classes that are MOOC and you can take them fully online.

However, you have to research a little which classes you'd like to take, because their courses are a little spread out across their departments. You can find some classes here:
- https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/search-programmes-and-courses?s_format=mooc&s_itg=open_university&s_its=%2A&s_p=1&s_q=&s_s=az&s_y=3071
- https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/open-university/open-online-courses-or-moocs

Take into account that you need to register there as an open university student, you can also call them by phone if you have any questions or simply email them.