Hi everyone!
While I am new at looking at US colleges, I’m certainly not a fresh graduate out of high school. I graduated back in 2011 in a different country, started college there but didn’t get to finish. I have my transcript but I would very much like to start fresh. As of right now, I’d like to do online college because it’s the only way I can go to college which will suit our current lifestyle. Oh and I’ve moved to the US by the way, if that helps.
So now, I need your help. I’m down to 3 different schools which offers an online degree in CS and I’d like your insights on the following schools: University of Florida, University of Illinois, Springfield, and Florida State University. Are these good schools to choose from? Do you have anything to add/take away? How are the classes done (videos, videos + reading, reading, etc)? How good is the quality of education?
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, I’m also interested in taking an Interactive Design minor but after weeks of research, I can’t seem to find the perfect school. As of right now, accreditation and quality of education is what I’m after. If you have any suggestions for this, I would really appreciate it but it’s not a necessity. My primary goal is to finish a BS in CS.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thank you.
Building up UF Online has been a Florida legislature priority, and they have been pouring money into the program to build it up over the last several years. You’ll want to pick UF over FSU for that reason.
If you’re a Florida resident, then UF Online is an easy choice. The legislature has dictated that UF can only charge 75% of the normal tuition rate for online classes, and Florida in-state rates are already very low.
UF Online follows the same curriculum as the standard on campus majors and most of the classes are taught by the same faculty as teaches the on campus course. UF has two CS majors, one in the college of engineering, the other in the college of liberal arts. UF Online’s program is the one in the college of liberal arts. Most of the courses are the same between engineering and liberal arts, the difference is mostly in the college specific requirements. You can google info on the curriculum for more details.
@UFOnline sometimes post on CC, if so they can answer more specific questions.
Because you studied in college before, you almost certainly are a transfer student for admissions purposes. Contact each of the places on your list and verify the steps you need to take in order to apply as a transfer with foreign credits.
Just because you are a transfer doesn’t automatically mean you won’t “start fresh” - at least in your major. It is entirely possible that none of your foreign credits will apply to your new degree program, and you will have to study for a full four years. However, often at least some can be applied to cover requirements for general education coursework, so it truly is worth it to you to see how much credit you can get. Shaving even just one semester of credits off your total program will save you time and money. 
Thanks @happymomof1. I did reach out to UF and they said the same thing. It won’t be possible unless I do an Associate’s degree first. I will know more in the coming next few weeks as I will be talking to a counselor soon. I have yet to contact UIS though. Thanks for the advice!!