Online schools, scam or not?

[2+2macht4]

The main thing I did not like about UOP is that when I called it was like calling a call center not a university office. I got scooted around, told I needed to enroll at the amsterdam campus and no one contacted me further.

So I opted to go with TESC, who were great answered all my fin aid questions, my questions about living abroad, and did not charge me international tuition.

I have my own advisor, I love it.

[pcjs]

I agree with PP. I would try to go to a state school instead as depending on the degree, where you go matters. Just a warning to online classes. Some are easier, some are the same, and some are far more time consuming than sitting in a class. My husband started and stopped his masters as the online classes took up far too much time (like 15-20 hours per class) as you basically had to post and post for the numbers count and they graded on who had the most (and ironically the instructors rarely posted) plus all the reading. (He could not get to the regular classes with his commute/traffic).

[JustSomeChickVee]

Most of those schools are scams and do not transfer to brick and mortar colleges and universities. almost every standard college and university offers online programs though. I have been to 4 universities and colleges (UCF, FIU, GCC, and BC) and not a single one didn't offer online programs.

[MilaniasSuperMomma]

Originally Posted by Serenajean1 I am doing my bachelors through Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey, they have a normal campus too, and yes it is treated like a normal degree you can do masters after. You just have to make sure you choose an accredited school, you can even use federal fin aid for online. Most major universities now offer online courses or online degrees.

I have heard of this college. Are you actually taking classes there? I heard that you can buy the book and test out of the classes to earn you degree there. Not sure how legit that is.


Also I meant to point out that another reason that I was interested in these places online is because I did give up my career when I had my baby so I need to get through school rather quickly so I can start working a regular job again. Dervy has 3 year engineering programs then I can get a masters. I have already started taking classes at my local community college to save money and transfer them there but I need to finish my degree somewhere. It is very expensive! I was quoted $86,000 for a degree which is ridiculous but I am not sure what to do since I don't have a whole lot of time. I live off my savings and I make a little bit a month. I don't receive child support.

[carriek38]

DP's from NJ & she's never even heard of Thomas Edison College...but it is accredited, so that's something, & it is pert of the state university system, so that's a plus, too (it's not a for-profit institution).

Milania, if you're looking to accelerate your degree, those sorts of schools are going to get you the degree faster...but really, it depends on where you live, what your area of specialty is, and whether you place a higher value on the degree or the education (no judgement, I could argue either way) as to what's going to be the most constructive choice for you...and whether it is the best financial choice or not.

[myoo]

The main question is: Is the school REGIONALLY ACCREDITED?

This means accredited by one of these specific regional accrediting agencies: http://www.chea.org/Directories/regional.asp

Is a school is regionally accredited, it's credits will transfer to other regionally accredited institutions (i.e. most brick and mortar public and private colleges). If it is not regionally accredited (and they will try to trick you by saying they're "nationally accredited" or listing a bunch of accreditations, just not the regional accreditation that they really need), stay away.

University of Phoenix and DeVry University are regionally accredited by the North Central Association, so they are ok, but are they respected as much as other schools? I don't think so. Also, they are both for-profit institutions. I would pick a non-profit any day, for a better education (in my opinion), less debt, and more respectability for potential employers.

[MilaniasSuperMomma]

Originally Posted by carriek38 DP's from NJ & she's never even heard of Thomas Edison College...but it is accredited, so that's something, & it is pert of the state university system, so that's a plus, too (it's not a for-profit institution). Milania, if you're looking to accelerate your degree, those sorts of schools are going to get you the degree faster...but really, it depends on where you live, what your area of specialty is, and whether you place a higher value on the degree or the education (no judgement, I could argue either way) as to what's going to be the most constructive choice for you...and whether it is the best financial choice or not.

I want a good education in order to get a good job. I know engineers get jobs immediately after school. My dad was an engineer for over 30 years but I just don't know if Devry can give me the education and respect in the job market that I need. I was also thinking about going there then getting a Masters from Texas A&M in Petroleum Engineering but I don't know if that is possible as in would they even accept me after going to Devry. They offer their masters program online but not bachelors. Has anyone gone to one of the schools then gotten a masters from a traditional college? The debt is also a big thing for me. Does anyone know of any grants? I saw on CNBC just today that student loans might become as bad as the housing bubble. Almost $90,000 is a lot for a regular degree.

[ariandsofiesmom]

If it was me, I would just do a brick and mortar type school, but one that has an online program. My husband just finished his masters at NorthEastern Univ in Boston all online...a very reputable college. I personally would not do a school like Univ of Phoenix because honestly i think where you get your education from matters when you try to get a job. If the job came down to someone who went to UOP or school like NE Univ, I think the second person would get the job. Now I know nothing about UOP, but I have tried to go to a couple of the schools that promise you jobs when you get out, and it just seems to good to be true to me. I do have 2 college degrees from a brick and mortar school (an accredited (regionally) univ).

[ariandsofiesmom]

Ooops...dbl post.

[MilaniasSuperMomma]

Ok I looked online and it looks like the University of North Dakota offers a civil engineering program online with labs on campus during the summer for upto 2 weeks. I am in TN. If I am reading it correctly out of state tuition is $800+ a credit hour. I hope thats a joke, or I am wrong. That is more than Devry.