Getting a bachelor's with an assortment of previous credit

Hi everyone. I am helping a friend through the process of getting a bachelor's degree. He already has an associate's plus a ton of additional credit -- maybe 45 hour or so -- from other community colleges. He also has extensive training from the military as well as certificates from employers (training in management and such). We're still gathering up all of his certificates and documentation.

What is the best way to get a handle on how all of this credit and training might transfer?

It seems like a degree from one of the Big 3 schools might be the best option? He is fine with any kind of business-related major, or even something general like liberal studies, technical studies, etc. It just needs to be regionally accredited. Something that would serve as a good foundation for a later MBA would be good.

Wondering what the best process is to figure what school and what degree would be most suitable. He'd like to get the degree as quickly as possible. Looking to figure out a plan for what additional tests or coursework might be necessary.

Suggestions?

 

each of the big 3 will do an evaluation of his credits when he applies. Though there is cost to apply - especially forwarding transcripts, that is the best way to get a big picture of what he will / won't get credit for. Since he already has an associates, if it is an AA or AS, he may have met most of his general education courses already - and his focus wouldn't be how much credit he'd get, rather how easy/expensive it will be to complete his upper level courses. On the other hand, if he has an AOS or AAS, he might not have hardly any gen eds, and using CLEP or Straighterline is simple and inexpensive, and where he'd have to start.
Evaluations can take some time, he should do that asap.

 

check it out

http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/52647-beginners-guide-getting-cheap-fast-college-credit.html

 

As mentioned previously, the issue isn't likely to be credit count but in upper level credits. I believe that TESU also limits the max credit transfer from a community college to 60.

The military training, the certifications and all of that can come into play but it is likely that testing, ACE/NCCRS and even a few courses at other (four year) colleges will be necessary to close the gap.

Totally doable and the Big Three are probably the best bet unless your friend is keen on competency based programs.

 

Thanks for the replies!

So would it be best to start by just dumping all of the transcripts and certificates onto the Big Three? Is it better to choose one of the Big Three, or send them to all three?

 

I personally would request evaluations at all of them; some might have stricter limits on transfer credits and especially lower-level (community college) credits.

In addition to the Big Three, you might also consider Granite State College, which is part of the University System of New Hampshire;

Granite State College

Also, if your friend is military, a veteran, or in emergency services (police, fire, EMS), consider Liberty University, which has considerable tuition discounts for those categories;

Liberty University