"Big 3" degree value?

[MISin08]

Hmmm, interesting. I'm going to look in to it further... would be nice to take some traditional classes though so I can get the full GI bill living stipend while in school, instead of the half you get for taking all online classes.

I'm guessing accounting or finance isn't a degree where you can CLEP very many credits besides the general education requirements though.

Is one of them more renown for business/accounting/finance degrees?

For Accounting/Finance you have to take most of your concentration (the Accounting part of the business degree) through another school. It's a case where I might suggest a F2F program. For Accounting I would get a business degree you can get quickly (perhaps, even a Big 3 degree) and take a local post baccalaureate accounting program.

The beauty of the Big 3 is time cost quality are in your hands. The socially constructed value around "brand" doesn't exist; if you're at a business lunch with 3 guys who went to the big school in the state, a big 3 degree leaves you with not much to talk about. Of course, moving may do the same thing. Unless you want or need a top school, a Big 3 degree is a cost-effective option with reasonably high utility. If you have a lot of credit already they are great: get the BS and make your mark in grad school. On the other hand, several state schools have online or blended programs with relatively low residency, take some credit by exam, and don't cost an arm and a leg. Eastern Oregon University, Chadron State College, and U Wyoming Laramie are just a few that come to mind. Then you have a degree where you know recruiters will nod their heads and pay attention to your other attributes.

Phillip