I started school this semester at a brick and mortar in WV, but now have found that it’s going to put some serious financial strain on me, and I would like a more flexible schedule that would allow me to work and attend school at the same time. Does anyone have experience with American Public University? They have my degree, and the schedule would allow me to graduate much sooner than the brick and mortar school. What do you think?
I never heard of it but in general I’d be wary of for-profit schools.
Compared to 296 online degree programs, APU ranked #27 (USNWR). Good luck.
What about Fort hays State Online? It’s a brick and mortar school, not for profit, stable reputation, and the cost per credit is a bit cheaper. Do you guys think that would be a more sound choice?
I feel bad about transferring again, but money and time are both big factors for me and my family.
The big thing for me is deciding whether online is a good choice for my future. I’m a psyc major, and fort hays offers a BS rather than a BA. I’ll either want to take the counseling route after college, or I had actually considered a career in psychiatric or midwife nursing, which means getting into grad school either way.
Fort Hayes has a rank of 16 and may be better coordinated with graduate school matriculation requirements because of their brick and mortar status. Achieving an associate degree at a community college first is another option to consider. A BS or BA obtained entirely (or mostly) through an online program may not provide you with the education you need to succeed.
“offers a BS rather than a BA” (#4)
The BA/BS distinction is often one of institutional custom and not substantive difference.
I’ve never heard of it. But, I’ve never heard good things about for-profit schools.
To give you guys some background:
During high school I attended a community college part time, and accrued about 30 credits. I then spent a semester at a university where I was a part of the ROTC program in line to obtain a scholarship, until it was discovered that I had a disqualifying medical condition. I went back to the CC for a semester while I decided where to go next, and chose my school out of convenience. Now, financial circumstances have gotten in the way of finishing there. After this semester I will have a total of about 55 transferable credits. I still plan on taking science courses at my CC, like microbiology, anatomy, nutrition, chemistry.
I think the only difference between the BS and BA at Fort Hays are the course requirements, so that would be for my own interest.
If you have a home-state public U that offers your major in an online format, that may be the cheapest and most convenient way for you to complete your degree. Make an appointment with the transfer advisor at your CC. It is likely that that person can help you find affordable in-state options.
Unfortunately, the only school that offers online courses in my home state is more expensive than FHSU. That’s what you get when you live near the nation’s capital, I suppose. None of the schools in my state are affordable (for me), or within driving distance, sadly.