average time to finish WGU - opinions wanted

[allvia]

quigongeneFor a Bachelor's in Marketing Management, it sounds like she could get the degree for $3,370 plus any ACE transcript costs.  I am guessing the ACE transcript costs might cost in the neighborhood of $100-200.  If she qualifies for a scholarship (i.e. Hero within or something like it), she could get her degree for under $3000 (plus any ACE transcript fees).  This is a really good deal.  Now, I am going to present her with option or the BALS from likely EC or COSC.  I know they are not the same.  Even though it costs more, I think she may like the idea of the BALS degree as it may quicker to complete. 

A business degree is infinitely more valuable than a BALS IMHO, but if your wife is just checking the "I need a degree" box, then yes, a BALS is fine.  Also, as natshar said, sending the ACE transcript is $20.

I agree with quigongene a business degree is more valuable than a BALS.  So why not get a BSBA from COCS instead of a BALS - why are you limiting those schools to only BALS? Here is a good thread on getting a BSBA from COSC (no CLEP, but CLEP could be used in the places where appropriate) - https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Transcript

Also COSC will take NCCRS credits which open up more very low cost options for credits - like onlinedegree (https://www.onlinedegree.com/free-courses/), and some of the Saylor courses that are not ACE approved (only NCCRS - breakdown here https://www.saylor.org/credit/).  It also allows a more work at your own pace schedule. Once enrolled at WGU it is a very dedicated to the school work timeline in order to complete it in one term.  The Big3 may cost a bit more, but they are far more life gets in the way friendly.

Also I know that you are price sensitive but keep in mind that lowest cost may not be the best option for your wife - meaning she may come to highly dislike one provider and love another - could even vary by subject.  As quigongene pointed out Saylor is cheap, but some of the course/exams are horrible - if she dislikes that platform and doesn't do well with the exam that cost is wasted vs paying a bit more for another provider that works better for her, and the frustration could cause her to give up or become bitter about the process. I'm not saying don't try Saylor - just don't assume it will work for all their available options. The same goes for CLEP - some subjects will be easy enough to test out of, others will need more course structure (like Study.com or Sophia offers for example).

Now a BALS could still be an option if the point is just to get a degree to check the box and she has no interest in business subject - as it has the most varied options of subject matter; it would still be a huge accomplishment for her to be proud of.  There are other options besides just business (BSBA) or general degree (BALS) options.  Who knows maybe she'd be even more interested in a TESU BA in Psychology (https://www.tesu.edu/heavin/ba/psychology - now alt credit friendly) - maybe she'd like to know why her coworkers, or kids, or even her husband do and say what they do!