Big 3

[Life Long Learning]

I wouldn't even include WGU with the Big 3. It's really no different from the dozen or so other schools that offer competency-based programs. If you include WGU, you would also have to include Brandman, Capella, Walden, Hodges, Northern Arizona University, Patten, University of Wisconsin, Southern New Hampshire University, and any other school that offers competency-based programs. Honestly, I believe WGU is less flexible than the other competency-based programs because they won't let you transfer in credits after you enroll. In reality, these schools are nothing like the Big 3. The transfer credit limits are still pretty traditional. In my opinion, there is no Big 4.

The Big 3 are the original competency-based schools, but they are designed on an entirely different system from the modern incarnation of competency-based programs.

I 100% agree!  There really is no close #4.

1971 Excelsior College (USNY)
1972 TESU
1973 COSC

All three founded within years of each other.