The Excelsior Scoop

And it sort of does sound like ice cream, doesn't it?

Okay, here's my question:

I'm currently working on a BA in Social Science through the distance learning program at Daniel Webster College (Nashua, NH). So far, it's been good to me - but their acceptance of my previous credits was a little disappointing. They took 55 of 61, mostly because the extra credits were in required areas that were already fulfilled. You can just do so much with 'electives' I guess.

I'm concerned because the course offerings are limited, and I feel that as I get closer to completion, I might run into some trouble actually *getting* the classes I need. Okay, I'm rambling now.

Gonna cut to the chase now - I've been looking at other colleges that might get be on a faster track to completion of this BA and I see a lot of positive talk about Excelsior.

Can someone tell me why they chose Excelsior and maybe give me some insight as to if it might be right for me?

My requirements are simple:

BA/BS completion in general studies/psychology/education- as quickly as humanly possible

Reasonable cost - currently I'm looking at about 699/3 units. Cheaper is *definitely* better.

Regional accreditation - I'd like to consider graduate studies in psychology or secondary school teaching certification.

If not Excelsior... some other program?

What do you all think?

 

You might consider Charter Oak State College. Since you don't absolutely require a specific major it may work. Their degrees are BS or BA in Individualized Studies with a concentration in (whatever you decide). They are wonderful to work with.

 

You can indeed do much cheaper.
Check out www.excelsior.edu

Then go to
http://www.excelsior.edu/pub_page.htm#cc

The hot link there "A Student Guide to Credit by Examination at Excelsior College and The Assessment Catalog 2003-2004"
should give you a good idea of how much you can complete through testing, should that be an doable route. It's fast and cheap, but may be too demanding. (Do self-assessment here.)

As much or more credit may transfer if you decide to change colleges.

--Orson

 

Orson,

Well, that's initially what drew me to Excelsior. Fast and cheap.

I don't know where I'm going next once I nail down the B degree. I'd like to be able to go on to graduate school and study education or psychology. I'd like to end up teaching sooner, rather than later.

I think that the testing won't be too demanding - I definitely have more time than money!

The one thing that is giving me reservations, is clearly the buzz about Excelsior, and it's legendary lack of customer service. I have a lot of questions, and I feel uncomfortable forking out the big bucks before I can get them answered. What if this *isn't* the right thing for me?

 

I never had any customer service problems with Excelsior, once I had enrolled and paid my fees (I think many of the complaints refer to requests made prior to enrollment). I got the answers I needed each time I called and there were no glitches. I finished my degree on time with only one semester to spare. Furthermore, I've been admitted to two graduate schools without a hitch (Tiffin University and Columbus State U).

At the same time, my wife attends Thomas Edison and everything there is working out as well.

Overall, there's really not much risk in choosing Excelsior, TESC or Charter Oak.

 

Ahh... I think that's where I'm running into some trouble now!

Making a decision between one of the "big three".

They all seem to have their pros and cons...and I am digging for ALL the info I can find to help me with this decision...this place is the best!

 

Here are some notable distinctions between the three:

Excelsior:

-Good if you already have many credits or plan to earn most of your credits through testing.
-Awards the up 30 semester hours for GRE subject exams.
-Has a large variety of majors to choose from.
-Does not participate in Federal Financial Aid programs.

Thomas Edison:

-Good if you're starting fresh and need and want to take courses to earn most of your credits becuase of its large selection of courses and formants.
-Offers a comprehensive annual fee that covers the cost of all tranfers, 36 semester hours of Thomas Edison DL course and unlimited TECEP Exams.
-Has a large variety of majors.
-Participates in Federal Financial Aid programs.

Charter Oak:
-Also offers its own courses.
-Is a much smaller school with good customer service.
-Participates in Federal Financial Aid.
-Awards up to 18 semester hours for GRE subject exams.
-Requires an extra step in the degree process by requiring a degree plan essay (that I think comes with a fee)
-Offers only a major in General Studies with concentrations that mirror traditional majors.

 

Wow!
Kudos Anthony - an impressive little vademecum on the Big 3. It's much needed from someone.

I'd only add that TESC is too expensive compared to the competition - unless one's in New Jersey. And that Excelsior also offers "Areas of Focus" for one's transcript - similar to minor concentrations - but only awarded while one's degree is being finalized.

--Orson
(Whose "minors" are psych, English, and business)

 

Thomas Edison is reasonably priced for both in state and out of state students. The comprehensive fee for the first year is

$3,325 for in state students or $92 per semester hour for 36 semester hours and unlimited TECEPS and transfers.

$4,775 for out of state students or $132 per semester hour (still about an average rate), especially if one takes advantage of the unlimited TECEPS included in the price!

However, after the first year the rates drop to

$2,805 or $77.92 per semester hour for in state students and

$4,175 or $115.97 for out of state students (again, a very reasonable rate).

In my wife's case, the tuition has been very reasonable when one considers that the out-of-state rates for Thomas Edison are about the same as those of our local state schools in GA. It becomes more of a value when one considers that we can get by with only one car, one job, and no child care expenses for our young daughter because my wife studies at night when our baby sleeps. She started there with only 3 semester hours to her credit and has almost completed her first year's worth of solid college courses. Thomas Edison is great for those who want and need college courses and who want to follow a traditional degree program from a distance.

At the same time, Excelsior was the best deal for me because I transferred an assortment of credits and only needed 21 semester hours to graduate. I paid my fees, took a few exams and an independent study course from Southwest Texas State and was finished.

 

the BIG 3 also have a difference in letter grades for exams

I don't know the actual circumstances, but I've heard that ...

for some exams, one school will give an A, B, C, D or F while the other will just give a P for pass or F for fail

one school will list a GPA on your transcript, others won't

Excelsior gives you 30 credits for a high score on the GRE, but only lists them on the transcript as 'other psychology - GRE', not as equivalent courses


Excelsior won't accept the CLEP englsih exam

I'm sure there are other differences too

 

I saw an Excelsior add in the back of MCP magazine. I sent in a copy of my microsoft transcript and my Navy experience. Between the 2 of these and a couple of college classes I had taken I had 128 credits. All I had to do was complee the cores to get my degree. It was the cheapest and fastest way for my degree.

I took about 10 Cleps, and have taken 3 classes at a local community college at the rate of $35 per semester hour. I have 3 classes left to finish my degree and 2 cleps. Should be done in 1-2 semesters.

I have been very happy with Excelsiors customer support. They always respond to my emails and phone calls.

 

It seems to me that you should be thinking 'backward' here. You say your goal is either grad. psych or secondary teaching. There's a big difference in the requirements for each, and you should be checking what the grad schools or State Ed (in Texas, I assume) will require for a teaching cert. Usually, even at the secondary level, there will be some education classes. PRAXIS and a student teaching experience required (though that can be taken care of at the Master's level with an M.A.T. - Master of Arts in Teaching - but you're not supposed to get into the classroom until you have those if you were counting on working right away).

You didn't say whether your transferable courses were mostly lower-level or a mix. Most places regardless of stated policies won't take more than 60 credits of 100-200 level courses, but they may be willing to work with you on 300+ courses. Since Webster is limited, have you asked if you can transfer in upper-level courses that they don't provide? They may be willing to work with you on some Excelsior or Texas state courses.

Have you looked at the options available through UTTelecampus?
As a Texas resident, the tuition is probably the lowest available anywhere. It's currently under $50 a credit for residents (lucky you!) Also, check out the newlsetter at http://www.pbs.org/campus/006_News/006-00.html - especially 'Evaluating your Distance Learning Options' Good luck!

Candice
virtualadvising.com

 

You might also want to look at FHSU. They are very inexpensive, accept CLEP, and they offer a Bachelors of General Studies with numerous concentrations. Psychology isn't a concentration they offer directly, but if you transfer in 15 hours (I believe it's 15) of Psychology from another RA school they will allow it as your concentration. A good place to pick up cheap RA classes is LSU. They are only $67 per hour and they will easily transfer into the FHSU program. They also have the psych classes you'd need for your concentration.

Pug