Liberal Studies - Excelsior or TESC? A Study

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by BMWGuinness, Dec 5, 2007.

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  1. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    I've been researching the most efficient, timely, and cost effective way to attain a bachelor's degree.

    Originally, I had the idea of utilizing FEMA ISP courses through TESC to cover 45+ credits toward their BSHS Disaster Services degree.

    Unfortunately, I know now that they will only accept a maximum of 25 credits through FEMA (any additional FEMA courses CAN be transferred from FCC, and any USFA courses that are ACE reviewed can also transfer seperate from the FEMA courses)

    What's more, of the 25 credits, 15 can be transfered into the major, and 10 can be transfered into elective.

    While this could be beneficial toward a Disaster Services Associate degree, pursuing the bachelor degree would require some, if not many online courses through TESC instead of Credit by Exam.

    SO, tomorrow I plan to look into their policy on FEMA ISP Courses to transfer into a BA Liberal Studies degree through TESC.

    AFAIK, Liberal Studies for TESC and Excelsior are both the most flexible programs as far as transfer of credit and credit by examination.

    What I plan to determine is which program is more advantageous, with time and ease most important, and cost behind that.

    The reason I put cost behind time and efficiency is also to help anyone who is Military (GI Bill, etc) or has Financial Aid, and wants to finish a degree with as much ease as possible.
     
  2. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    Please feel free to contribute any helpful information towards this process.
     
  3. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    Cost Analysis

    Assuming costs for exams/courses (CLEP, DANTES, Penn-Foster, ECE, TECEP, GRE) are similar, lets look at administrative fees for both Excelsior and TESC. Please note that costs for Active Military can be significantly different.


    Excelsior

    Application for Admission - $75
    Enrollment Fee - $895
    Student Service Annual Fee - $440 (if you cannot complete degree within 1 year)
    Graduation Fee - $495
    Other Fees - As Applies

    TESC
    Application for Admission - $75
    Enrollment Fee - $2300 (Out Of State)
    Annual Fee - $1995
    Graduation Fee - $225
    Other Fees - As Applies

    So, if we assume that you graduate within 1 year of admission, Excelsior Fees would cost ROUGHLY $1465 and TESC Fees would cost ROUGHLY $2600
     
  4. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    Utilizing FEMA ISP Credit (Not USFA)

    As of 11/1/2007 Excelsior College no longer accepts FEMA ISP Courses unless transfered through a RA college OTHER than TESC Credit Bank.

    At this time, the only way I have found to transfer credit to Excelsior is through Frederick Community College for $60/credit

    AFAIK both colleges accept USFA courses IF they are ACE reviewed.

    Assuming (tonight, until I confirm) TESC accepts a maximum of 25 credits from FEMA, we'll use 25 credits as a comparison.

    To transfer 25 FEMA credits from FCC to Excelsior, it would cost $1500
    To transfer FEMA credits RAW to TESC would be free.

    Excelsior accepts FEMA credit as Lower Level only
    TESC accepts FEMA credit as both Lower Level and Upper Level

    Additional FEMA credit can be attained beyond 25 credits, but will cost the same for both colleges, and will both be accepted as Lower Level (I am assuming since it would come from FCC, I could be wrong)
     
  5. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    Transferring college credit and other certifications

    At this time, I do not have an answer, as I am in the process of applying to both colleges, but have not completed the application process for either.

    Any helpful information on this would be appreciated.
     
  6. Neoplato

    Neoplato New Member

    I don't know anything about the FEMA courses or whatever :) But, to save money, I wouldn't apply to both schools since they both have open admission.

    BTW, Thomas Edison State College is a much better name than Excelsior College. Combine that with their willingness to give you more credit directly, and I think you have a winner in TESC, unless their fees cost over $1500 more.
     
  7. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    Apply meaning Application for Admission ($75 to each) to see how my personal credits/certifications would transfer into each respective program.

    3 personal factors for me include:

    1. How many previously earned credits (community college) would transfer into the program, and whether they would be considered for upper level or not.

    2. How many credits would transfer from IT Certifications, where they would be placed, and whether they would be considered for upper level or not.

    3. How many credits would transfer from FEMA ISP Courses and USFA courses, and whether they would be considered for upper level or not.


    The $1100 difference in fees would balance out if TESC accepts at least 18 credits RAW from FEMA.
     
  8. CoachTurner

    CoachTurner Member

    If you're only transferring in 60 hours or less. The costs to complete the additional 60 hours will make that $1000 or so difference in fees between the two look minimal. And, if you are only transferring less than 60 hours - it's most likely that you will take more than one year to complete your BA/BS at either.

    The real cost of the degree is going to be in getting those additional credits. 60 hours by exam could cost you about $2000 if you're an exceptional exam taker and can pass 20 exams. It could run you more than $4000 if you have to use ECE exams.

    60 hours in the classroom (community college won't work because you will need upper levels) could run you $200 or more an hour. We're looking at a conservative $12,000 there. Taking the classes at TESC or Excelsior will run those numbers even higher.

    For military folks, neither of these should be a major issue. The exams are free and tuition assistance will pick up much of the class cost. For others, this is the real cost issue - not the program tuition.
     
  9. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    I agree with you. However, most people (like me) are JUST finding out about attaining a degree through Credit By Examination. Therefore, the cost savings and time savings as compared to a brick & mortar, or even traditional distance learning, could be considered significant.

    For me, its extreme time saving. Although I am extroverted, and enjoy group settings, I do best on my own, at my own pace. My pace is MUCH faster than my peers, so Credit By Examination is perfect for me. When I try to utilize a traditional classroom setting, or even an online setting with structured classes, I get bored very easily.

    Not counting FEMA/USFA courses, I should be transferring in 60-70 credits. The next step will be to find out how many FEMA courses will transfer, whether RAW, or through FCC (if needed).
     
  10. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist


    After you are have transferred in as many FEMA/USFA courses as possible, you may wish to consider taking some of the Excelsior nursing exams. Many of these exams are open to non-nursing students.

    The following ECE nursing exams are worth 8 credits each!:

    Fundamentals of Nursing (Lower Level)
    Adult Nursing (Upper Level)
    Maternal & Child Nursing (Upper Level)
    Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (Upper Level)

    Now, with the possible exception of Fundamentals of Nursing, these exams are no walk in the park. However, if you are a good test taker, this may be a viable option for you.

    You may also wish to consider taking a subject GRE. Excelsior may award anywhere from 3 to 30 credits, depending upon your score. I believe the range is from the 40th through the 80th percentile. The first 12 credits are lower level and the remaining credits are upper level. Again, this is not an easy option, but if you test well, you may be able to rack up some credits here.

    I would highly recommend creating a free account on the Excelsior website and downloading a document called "A Student Guide to Credit by Examination at Excelsior College."

    Good luck!

    - Tom
     
  11. Refugee

    Refugee New Member

    There is one big difference between the 2 liberal studies degrees. Excelsior's BS lets you do 60 credits that are non arts and sciences where as TESC only has 27 free electives. For some people like me Excelsior makes much more sense because I already have well over 27 non arts and sciences hours that I would lose through TESC.
     
  12. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Keep us posted. My wife is waiting on her transcripts and she will also apply to TESC and Excelsior. She will go for the BS or BA in liberal arts, whichever is more flexible.

    Abner
     
  13. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    I found out some additional information today pertaining to AA and AS degrees

    I was thinking about achieving an AS degree while doing coursework for a BA/BS Liberal Studies.

    I called both campuses inquiring about if it was possible.

    The answer is YES from both colleges, but there are some fee differences.

    Excelsior requires that you enroll seperately for all degrees, which means you would have 2 enrollment fees and 2 graduation fees or $2780.

    TESC does not require additional enrollment, only a graduation fee, so 1 enrollment fee and 2 graduation fees or $2750.

    TESC also said you could qualify for more than 2 degrees on the same enrollment fee as long as you paid graduation fees for each respective degree (A 2nd Associate degree requires an additional 18 credits above to 1st Associate degree)
     
  14. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    TESC and my costs

    >>

    Something to consider-
    If you qualify for a Pell grant (I did) that is $4000 given to you over the course of your 4 semesters. The catch is that you must enroll in 6 credits (costing $990) to get the disbursement of $1000 each.
    Here's what I did: I took out a Stafford student loan for $5500 (also has the 6 credit requirement). This was added to my Pell grant. My total account had $9500 which is to be distributed between each of 4 semesters as long as I am in 6 credits- $4000 for class, $2500 enrollment, $500 grad fee and $2500 cash back to me to pay for my CLEPs and books. (more than enough $$) The total cost of my degree for me (118 credits by class and CLEP) will be the single student loan of $5500 which repayment won't start until I finish my Masters degree several years from now.
     
  15. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Hi,

    I just applied to Excelsior last week. I am in the process of sending in my transcripts. Once that is done, I will enroll in the ASLS program. As I have 44 credits, I will be able to finish up in a short period of time.

    I am planning to continue with Excelsior to finish a BS in Psychology. From what I have read, I believe that Excelsior charges a reduced enrollment fee for students going from the AA/AS to a BALS/BSLS. Not sure exactly what that fee is, but it is less than $895. Just thought I would point this out.

    - Tom

    P.S. Once I enroll with Excelsior and begin the ASLS, I will be in the unique position of pursuing both an Associates and a Masters degree simultaneously!
     
  16. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    You are correct, FEMA ISP Courses would only translate as 27 free electives in the BA Liberal Arts at TESC. I just confirmed this with them.

    Excelsior BA/BA Policy is as follows
    https://www.excelsior.edu/portal/page?_pageid=57,55694&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
    TESC Policy is stated here
    http://www.tesc.edu/3619.php
    There are several "perks" for both schools, while Excelsior is flexible in course credit for their BS Liberal Studies, TESC is flexible with 200-Level courses counting as Upper Level Credit, and will accept 27 FEMA courses RAW as credit for Free.
     
  17. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Ha! This FEMA thing really has me thinking. Aren't those FEMA courses really easy? and can't they can be completed quickly? My wife and I are filling out applications/credit evaluations for Excelsior and TESC. I am leaning towards TESC.

    Here is my wife's background:

    RA - AA - total credits = 82.5
    Upper level = 221 American Lit to Civil war

    CLEPs:
    *English Comp with Essay
    *Analyzing and Interpreting Lit

    Do you or anyone think it would be good for her take a bunch of FEMA courses to transfer into TESC? She is also pursuing the BA of liberal arts at TESC.

    Is the pursuit of FEMA credit something they freely accept?, or does it take some bargaining?

    Please advise.

    Abner

    P.S. What is the link for these FEMA courses?
     
  18. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    http://www.emergencymanagementstudy.com/content/default.asp
    http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp

    If she is going to TESC then the credits can be transferred RAW for free WITHOUT the need of FCC.

    Here is the list of courses accepted by TESC, the maximum number of courses that can be transferred in to TESC Liberal Studies program through FEMA is 25.

    Please have your wife go over this list with an advisor to see which ones would apply to remaining credits needed for her degree with TESC and please let me know (as I can't find out unless I'm enrolled, and I'm still deciding on which school).

     
  19. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    Also, if she completes at least 15 credits through FEMA, should could qualify for the AS Disaster Services automatically without additional courses (less the practicum). If she has a chance, and she's talking to an advisor, could she ask about this as well?

    This means you could apply 9 credits toward B. Basic Philosophy, Theory and Concepts of the Option and 6 credits toward C. Applied Areas and a CLEP or DSST exam might cover A. Overview of Human Services or the Option

     
  20. BMWGuinness

    BMWGuinness New Member

    Whoops, didn't realize you weren't enrolled, but the information is still relevant. The FEMA courses were very easy and quick for me as I have Emergency Management experience.

    As far as Excelsior vs TESC, the general opinion of the DL community is that Excelsior's BSLA program is the most flexible (I believe 30 FEMA credits would count as Applied Professional Credit)

    Please see the FCC list for FEMA credits applicable toward Excelsior.

     

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