It seems like the main difference between the two is that COSC accepts GRE exams and TESC accepts FEMA and you might not have to take a capstone course? What does this mean cost wise. I'm really trying to get a Bachelors in Business with a concentration in Public Administration as cheaply as possible and I have zero college credits right now. My husband will kill me if I spend to much on this. Help please!
I've heard that the customer service between the two usually tips in the favor of COSC. But, I've only attended TESC so I cannot compare the two. I felt I received good service while at TESC. Again, I've seen it mentioned enough that it could make a difference in many people's choices. Academically, I'm not sure you can go wrong with either one really.
COSC has Liberal Studies and Individual Studies options that are differenr from anything TESC offers. Basically, they are two ways you can create your own concentration by combining courses from different fields (ex, Randell1234 has a concentration in Business & Technology). Also, the way the fees are structured is different. Overall, I think COSC is slightly less expensive, even considering FEMA. All of the bad reports I've heard regarding TESC's service are from people who spoke to them over the phone. I don't bothwr with the phone. It takes ~3 days to get an answer from them, but the brief nature of their electronic communications has not left room for rudeness.
COSC takes the fema for free and in fact accept more than TESC. Neither school is a great choice if you intend to take classes. Both are great at granting broad credit for Clep, dsst, straighterline, and the like. Is that how you plan to use them?
I agree that both aren't the cheapest options if you plan to take a lot of courses with them. I attended TESC, so I know more about them than COSC and EC. TESC is only more expensive than COSC under the Enrolled Options Plan. It can be more expensive on the Per Credit Plan, but it can also be cheaper if you fulfill the residency requirements with TECEPs. The Enrolled Options and Comprehensive Tuition plans don't have a residency requirement. The Comprehensive Tuition Plan is a flat rate that covers up to 36 credits per year. The out-of-state tuition rate is competitive with in-state tuition rates at most universities and cheaper than EC and COSC. There is no capstone for the BSBA programs at TESC. TESC does offer a BSBA in Public Administration. You can also plan your own concentration (learner designed area of study) under a BSBA, BA, BSAST, or BS. The business school is picky when it comes to accepting LDAS submissions, but the BS and BA should be more flexible. A BSBA in General Management would be the easiest to complete with just CBEs/Straighterline/ALEKS. CBE = credit by exam When you design a concentration at COSC or TESC, the title you pick is not official. It won't be on your diploma or transcript.
If I recall correctly, I believe my concentration name was on my COSC transcript, although it's been a long time since I had one in hand to check.
TESC vs. COSC is splitting hairs. Neither is well known but both are state schools. I went with TESC because I'm originally from NJ but if I were in CT I'd probably have gone with COSC. If you care about rankings go with COSC because they're getting some love from US News as far as online rankings go...TESC not so much.
COSC transcripts do include concentration names. However, if you design an customized interdisciplinary concentration under Liberal Studies or Individualized Studies, that space on the transcript will read "Liberal Studies" or "Individualized Studies." The transcript won't include a custom title for or the names of subjects used within the customized concentration, like "Psychology/Sociology" or "Health Studies/Business."
