What is a term?

[tallpilot]

9 wouldn't be too bad. But I'm considering taking 16-18 to meet residency requirements and avoid the fee.

If you need the upper level credit I would certainly consider taking the networking course to avoid that ridiculous TECEP.  Paying for courses, especially to have some real graded courses instead of just credit seems like a better use of money than the residency waiver (it's like the dealership fee when you buy a car; it's just pure profit for the seller).

Ask them if they will let you split a 'term' into two months.  Then you could work ahead in the first group of classes to reduce your workload when the second group started.  They are flexible sometimes and in this case it would net them more money from you than the alternative.  You never know until you ask.

You'll have my undying admiration if you take 5 courses starting the same month.