Would a degree from Nations University be a good thing or a bad thing on a resume?

I respect what NU is trying to do, but knowing very little about the school in general, I was wondering if a degree from there would be valuable. I ask because I have a disabled friend who is also very poor. He would love to earn a degree but can't afford tuition and he is interested in a Christian degree.

Opinions on Nations U?

 

I have pointed people in similar circumstances to NU. At least NU appears credible and cost effective.:yup:

 

Honestly, how many other options does your friend have?

 

For less than a full degree, Willmington School of the Bible or Liberty Home Bible Institute? With costs and some limitations, he could apply the work towards credit from Liberty University in the future.

 

Another low cost route!

There is also Seminary Extension: Diploma Courses as a low cost non-degree route. Courses are available in various formats and cost about $50 +/- per credit hour.:yup:

 

You are right; he does not have many choices. But it would be tragic for him to waste his time with a degree that would not do anything for him in finding some form of employment at a business or maybe a church.

 

If your friend understands the limitations (and possible stigma) of such a degree then there is no harm in moving forward.

 

1. a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation.



Are you sure stigma is the appropriate word for the implications in having a credible if non-accredited religious degree?

References

Retrieved from Stigma | Define Stigma at Dictionary.com

 

I would say go for it. If the person does not have any money, free (or near free) is a great price. If others have used it to gain entry to Liberty it is certainly not "worthless".

 

Very well put! I can also attest that since NU has been working towards accreditation there has been substantial improvements in several areas. Bottom line is that NU always had fair to excellent course content but course content is just one element, several crucial elements were lacking. However, the past three years, and particularly in the past six months NU is now a fairly strong contender for accreditation.

 

They need some help on their website, for sure.
I like the idea of a free education but can't this friend get federal aid money and ride the gub mint train toward his degree? Does he have enough money to pay for CLEP tests? Its hard to fathom someone having NO money, but who has time to spend working on a degree. If he were a really good friend of mine, I'd pay for his CLEP tests and buy his books if he showed actual interest in it and made progress.

 

I think it would depend on what denomination your friend is. It would be a minus to some coming from a Church of Christ school.

 

How about this (and I do not mean this to be a wise ass) - I will cover the cost of the first CLEP and book if you could cover the second. Any takers for the third?

 

If your friend also lives in California has your friend checked out local community colleges for free tuition?

 

Personally I've looked for reasons as to why Nations U. is a scam or otherwise not worthwhile but honestly, other than not having accreditation I cannot find anything wrong with them (crappy website but hey...) Given that they are a theological school accreditation may not be necassary especially if you live in the Bible belt. Louisiana Baptist University for example is not accredited and although some people may not care for some of their programs or question the rigor, they certainly are not a waste of time for someone interested in the subject matter to be studied. This goes double if the school is free and the person in question has few other options.

 

In my profession an unaccredited degree is worse than useless. That's my frame of reference. I don't think I'm unique in that regard. If someone feels differently then they are welcome to follow their own dictates. Since SurfDoctor has not said how his friend might use the degree I felt that it was prudent to point out that in some circles such a degree would not be respected or useful and could, in fact, work against you (stigma). I see no reason to change that opinion.

 

And this is exactly the kind of information I am looking for. Thanks, Kiz.