"Big 3" degree value?

[cookderosa]

Well forgive me then, but someone randomly saying "well go to Harvard then" can come off as quite sarcastic when dealing with the internet.

I think the traditional learning environment is probably going to suit me best... but a big factor in that is getting the full GI bill stipend instead of the $688 a month for taking classes 100% online. I'm sure there's a way to work it so I take one class at a local school and the rest online, but I'm not sure how the VA would handle that.

The VA is the very definition of a love/hate relationship. >_<

Most state colleges and community colleges do NOT differentiate method of delivery on your transcript, but what I'd suggest is doing a mix of butt-in-seat and DL in the same semester. See what happens. You might get the full $. Also, have you investigated the APUS system? They are about 80% military students and are VERY able to help you maximize your $. I believe they set their tuition at whatever your GI bill is, but not sure. American Public University System - Official Site

Harvard's college of Continuing Education allows you to take credit courses in an open enrollment format- meaning, you just sign up. They have butt in seat and distance learning. They also have undergrad / grad. You can't do an entire degree online, but you can do online classes in the fall/spring then do summer sessions on campus- they are 7 weeks.

After completing their requirements you can apply for admission into their degree program. The degree is awarded through and completed through the extension school, but it is 100% Harvard University (College of Continuing Education). Some people like to debate the issue of using an extension school, but I'd wager most people have no idea which college in their university is issuing their degree- and if it's an online/hybrid degree, it likely is through an extension school (they just don't know it!) So, getting in to Harvard Extension is easy, getting out? Not so much lol, but it might be a good alternative for you to consider if you want to move to Boston.