Indiana vs. Empire State College

All, I need some help making a decision between Indiana U and SUNY Empire State College. I'm an independent student living in NY, enrolling in college for the first time. I'd be interested in hearing from others who have thought through a similar circumstance. I listed the similarities and differences below.

The ultimate goal would be to use this degree to attend a top 30 MBA program. Indiana U's online MBA would be definite runner up.

Both are very flexible programs with the following:
- accept CLEP, DANTES, (Regents) Excelcior tests
- have online classes
- independent study, classes via corresondence
- both are accredited
- both are reputable institutions
- both can be attended via physical campus

Differences:
- Indiana does not provide access to financial aid for independent study
- Empire state allows financial aid
- Empire state is more expensive, at least $60 more per credit
- 30 credits must be obtained through Indiana, no such requirement for ESC
- Empire State does not provide letter grades (unconfirmed rumor)
- It can be argued that Indiana U is the more reputable institution with an established/successful Alumni across many fields

Thanks,
mba_bound

 

ESC does require 30 credits (actually 32, they have 4 credit classes) to be earned through them.
ESC does give letter grades for online courses, and will give letter grades for ind study if you request it.
Both might accept up to ~90 credits through testing, although they both state that it depends on overall academic quality.
ESC requires foreign language credit.
Indiana University is actually through their school of continuing studies.
ESC accepts more tests than IU SCS does.
IU only offers general studies degrees, but it is definitely more recognizable in most of the country.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Tony

 

Thanks Tony!!!

I didn't know about the 30 credit requirement for ESC. I am going into orientation tomorrow, so I guess I would have found out then.

This website is such an incredible resource for those of us continuing our education through non-traditional means.

I hope to contribute as I attend either ESC or Indiana.

Thanks again,
mab_bound

 

If the ISU degree is in a business related major I would lean towards them.

 

Wow!

Dear Dave-

I do believe these friends have made a convincing instant analysis of your dilemma. (Color me impressed.)

Good luck.

--Orson

 

ESC just announced that in Fall of 2004, they will be chaning the current program from 60 to 48 credits. The new program will be $420.00 per credit not including books. Also keep in mind that the MBA program in not AACSB.

Also the MBA program has five residencies in Saratoga Springs, which isn't to bad.

Depending on what you are going to do with your degree, living in NY, ESC will be more recognized (SUNY school).

I graduated from ESC, and had a great experience. I was accepted into the current program, but chose go to Touro. I do have the option of beginning the new format in September (and might have to do this if TUI loses is RA status).

Good luck on you decision.

 

ESC just announced that in Fall of 2004, they will be chaning the current program from 60 to 48 credits. The new program will be $420.00 per credit not including books. Also keep in mind that the MBA program in not AACSB.

Also the MBA program has five residencies in Saratoga Springs, which isn't to bad.

Depending on what you are going to do with your degree, living in NY, ESC will be more recognized (SUNY school).

I graduated from ESC, and had a great experience. I was accepted into the current program, but chose go to Touro. I do have the option of beginning the new format in September (and might have to do this if TUI loses is RA status).

Good luck on you decision.