Yes, I am paying for Regis using the tuition reimbursement from work, which is $5k. Cost of undergrad is way lower, $300 per credit, so it works out. It only gives me enough to take 2-3 classes a year so therefore, I am going at a slow pace but I am almost done so that’s ok. I refuse to get a loan and I will not get a loan for graduate school either. That I know for sure.
Now, the reason why I am looking at Berkeley is because of the program itself. The classes are live online classes. Regis has an online masters in Data science as well, more affordable ($700 per credit) but it does not have online live classes. I really don’t like online classes at all because I do not learn that much. I would much prefer to go to a classroom, but that program is not available on a real classroom in my area (Regis claims they have a classroom version but I checked the schedules, only the online classes are available) The recurring theme of online classes where the teacher says read chapter 1 and 2 and answer the question in the discussion board and then respond to two other people does not work for me. I need a real class and a teacher in front of me who I can ask a question toon the spot and get an answer right away and not 24 (sometimes 48) hours later. This program at Berkeley has a live class where you have the instructor In front of you and you could ask him questions right there. You could even interact with your classmates. It is like a real classroom. Colorado State university has a similar online platform but not in the field I want.
Having said that, at the end, I might end up going to Regis. I will still have the same predicament because at $700 per credit ($2100 per class, my $5000 tuition reimbursement will not be enough, but of course not for such a huge amount as with Berkeley.
Based on your feedback, it sounds like Berkeley will not be an option unless I win the lottery. By the way, thank you for all the feedback, I didn’t know how hard it was before so this is enlightening. It amazes me that most people at berkeley graduate pay out of pocket.