open entry, self-paced online classes

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by generatrix, Feb 24, 2006.

Loading...
  1. generatrix

    generatrix New Member

    I'm really good at planning my own time and studying on my own. I basically just need to be tested at the end and able to get official credit for what I've done, and to be in a program where I'm eligible for federal financial aid. I do see some options like Empire State College, but these are still very pricy considering that no instruction is needed. Even the community colleges (except California, Texas -- where I don't live )are fairly pricy. Does anyone know of any ideas for this minimalist approach to education -- low involvement by the credit-granting institution and low tuition.
     
  2. 3$bill

    3$bill New Member

    Wouldn't Excelsior, COSC, or TESC be appropriate? I don't know which, if any, will make you eligible for federal financial aid, though.
     
  3. generatrix

    generatrix New Member

    Thanks,

    honestly, I think that even Excelsior, COSC, or TESC cost a lot -- am I the only one who feels this way? I keep poking around the internet to see it there are other options...and these 3 seem to keep coming up.
     
  4. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Generatrix,

    I think that LSU (Louisiana State University) might meet your needs. They offer independent study courses via correspondence and online. Tuition will run you $229 for a three credit (semester hour) course. Not too shabby! You may also complete a BGS (Bachelors in General Studies) via online correspondence.

    The courses are open enrollment. You can sign up whenever you like.

    http://www.is.lsu.edu/home.asp?level=CO&online=0&nid=101

    Good luck!

    - Tom
     
  5. 3$bill

    3$bill New Member

    Well, Excelsior sure costs a lot more than it used to when it was Regents External Degree. I'd agree, that if you present them with a full compliment of credit equivalents, you're paying a lot for the "RA approved" stamp.

    But overall, if you can reach the 80th percentile on two or three GRE subject exams, get all your distribution requirements lined up, register for the minimum period, and take their IT competence course, Excelsior might still be the cheapest overall.

    I'm just speculating. Please let us know how your comparison shopping turns out.
     
  6. Will Makeit

    Will Makeit New Member

    The cheapest way to get college credit and studying at your own pace is through CLEP and DANTES examinations.
    I took plenty of time to prepare for most of the ones I did, and once I was prepared i would take the exam. Never failed one.
    Eventually I had to enroll in Excelsior to get my degree though, although the great majority of credits were through the exams mentioned.
     
  7. lspahn

    lspahn New Member

    Have to agree with Will, I use instacert, wikipeida, and local library and its costing me an average of $13/credit. Now in order to finish up its going to cost me about $1,000 to portfolio out of 3 classes, but overall it will cost me about 1500 bucks....
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 25, 2006
  8. chydenius

    chydenius New Member

    BA in 4 Weeks

    Perhaps, BA in 4 Weeks can be useful for you.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 25, 2006

Share This Page