I Need More Advice On This

[soliloquy]

Within the last week, I have had two business schools talk with me about their Online @ __ programs. First one was UNC Chapel Hill, and the second was Syracuse University. I have interviews with both tomorrow, and it is with the understanding that if I got accepted, I'd start in July.

What impressed me with these programs is that they are geared to those who have worked more than five years, and for that they are willing to waive the GMAT and GRE requirements. I certainly meet that requirement! Another thing which impressed me is that they didn't require business prerequisites like my alma mater TESC does. The professors teach the subject as if you are a beginner and lead from there. This is great for me since I admittedly got a D in Statistics and did not take Microeconomics.

The thing that I am concerned about is their financial aid packages. Now, I'll be talking with the financial aid counselor at Syracuse, but if they don't really have much in the way of need based grants, then I would have to drop this school from my plans. There is no way I am going to take on another $38k a year in student loan debt.

So, as a result, I am looking at WGU as an alternative - or rather the alternative - I should have looked at long ago. I know a few on this forum are studying or have received their MBAs through WGU. On the whole, would you say it was as good a deal (as far as education is concerned) than if I did the super expensive online programs at a B&M school? Did employers have questions about WGU, or does it command the respect that a Syracuse U would?

I spoke to UNC regarding their MBA program. When I decided not to attend, Ngunjiri Ngari, called me incessantly so I know they must be having a hard time selling that program. MBA@UNC tuition is currently $1,510.23 per credit hour. MBA@UNC is a 66 credit hour program. Students can expect to pay at least $99,675 for the entire program. That doesn't include their immersion travel requirements.

Let me know what they say about their financial aid packages. They didn't seem like they were offering much there...pushing loans more than anything so if you find out something different, I would love to know that.