Help a beginner please! Big 3 questions

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Charter Oak limits you to 90 ACE credits from a very short list of sources. 24 of the remaining credits can be from any regionally-accredited (tldr version: college/university) credit source. They do require a science-with-a-lab but there are a number of options for this requirement that are (relatively) easy to get. In theory, this is the least expensive option. However, the limit on alternate credit sources and the lack of degree options makes this a less desirable option for some people.

Excelsior allows you to transfer in EVERYTHING from alternate credit sources except the required 7 credits that must be taken. This does not mean that they are cheaper than COSC. On the contrary, they are solidly in the middle, as far as prices go, because of the various fees.

TESU is the most expensive before you factor in the cost of the RA credits that they are now requiring (same policy as COSC). However, they do offer a number of degrees that the other schools don't have. They also accept more alternate credit sources than COSC does.

Exactly what degree do you want to get? That will determine which school is "best" for your needs. If you just want "any" degree, then a general studies degree at COSC may be the right option for you. On the other hand, if your needs would be better met by a degree specifically in something like Computer Science or English then TESU is the way to go. Don't worry about the RA credit requirement at either school. There are a number of these sources (such as TEL Learning or TECEPs/UExcels) that act very similarly to alternate-credit sources. Self-study, take exam, get credit. These RA sources are pretty affordable!

As far as figuring out which courses fit what degree, that's partly what this forum is for. For TESU, you can find a few degree options available on the wiki: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Sa...ts_Roadmap For COSC and Excelsior, the requirements are a bit more vague but there are people here who can help you with your plans. You just need to decide which degree to get.

Thank you very much! This is a lot of useful information. I really appreciate your effort and time.

I didn't know about the whole RA thing so thanks for that! At first glace, this makes it seem like Excelsior may best for me. However, if I understand rightly, then earning RA credits for COSC is still cheaper than Excelsior best. As my main criteria is cost then length, it seems, if I understand rightly, that COSC is the cheaper option although it might limit ways of earning credit.


I have noticed that TESU offered lots of majors and  I liked the BS in data science and analytics and the BSBA in finance. Generally speaking, I am into more mathematical degrees so I will check COSC for that too.

I'll obviously have to do a lot more research into them before deciding but thank you so much for your help!