Please help me map out a good degree path and navigate fin aid.

[dfrecore]

Regarding TESU: I read on this forum that there was a special program for NJ residents which makes tuition essentially free?

WGU looks like a good option that is tech focused, however, I am still going to need to bring in lots of required classes/electives from other sources just like TESU, right?

And then there is the fact that WGU is test heavy, while TESU is a combo of both or at least seems to have the most flexibility in that regard. 

I am split as to which path to take still and would appreciate any other considerations esp weighing in cost/grants and speed of the degree.

Thanks for the responses so far guys!

I've never heard of a "free degree" at TESU for NJ residents - maybe someone else knows what you're talking about?

Yes, for WGU, you'll want to bring in 90cr if possible, leaving just 30cr to take there (the minimum).

TESU is not test-heavy at all, if all you'll be taking there is the cornerstone and capstone.  Their courses generally aren't test-heavy.  But, as far as an IT degree there, I've not heard how those courses are since nobody gets that degree there due to cost.

TESU's GE for this particular degree are more stringent than some other degrees: they require Chem or Physics I & II w/labs, Stats, College Algebra and Precalc and only have 19cr of Free Electives.

At TESU, here's how your credits will come in:

GE
- Sociology 101 (Diversity)
- Psych 101 (SocSci)
- Bus Info Sys and Applications (NatSci)

AoS
- Statistics 101

Free Electives
- Intro to Bus 
- Small Bus Operations 
- Marketing 101 
- Management 101 
- Business Law I

Chem I & II with Labs can't be done via alt-credit cheaply.  So you'd have to take Physics instead - Physics I w/Lab at Straighterline ($420 for a 1mo membership, both courses, and a lab kit) then Physics II at SDC ($199 for 1mo), and then you'll have to take Physics II Lab at TESU (it's $535 for tuition and then $138 + shipping).

I'd probably spend some time looking at Purdue Global if you really like to write.  You can bring in up to 90cr of ACE, and they have a lot of electives (WGU has none) and an overall easier Gen Ed that is MUCH easier to meet than TESU's for this particular degree.