Online Education?

Question

I will be out of the country for an extended period of time and figured that this would be the perfect time to get my BS degree in Business Admin/ Marketing... online. I have been having some trouble, however, researching a school that will accept me (I have less than 30 college credits completed, and am unable to take a final if it is required that I be in the US) and that is affordable. I did some extensive research on University of Phoenix but I'm not sure if I can shake the $59K pricetag. Do you know of any regionally accredited, affordable universities that have programs that are completely online? And, If a school is accredited by the DETC - Distance Education & Training Council, is that an acceptable form of accredidation? (will it transfer if, for instance, I wanted to get my Masters). I am a resident of California.

I can't go to community college... they require that I be at school to take the final.

Answer 1

DETC is legit and is recognized by the US Govt. That said, if you want to transfer credit or go to a regionally accredited graduate program then you will likely find yourself out of luck.

DETC accreditation is most valuable when you're considered vocational/technical programs as a terminal (you won't want to transfer) program.

For example: the programs at PCDI/Ashworth are DETC and those I've seen in the vocational category are excellent. Their classes in the associates degree programs won't transfer to your local state university though.

Go with regional accreditation if you want to continue your education. DETC is not a regional accreditor.

Answer 2

Well, I have to tell you UOP is a bad idea. 59K is alot for a degree most employers will laugh at. Stay away from for profit schools such as AIU, UOP, Kaplan, Capella, ITT Tech, and the list goes on.
Since you are a resident of California, there are schools in your state that has online programs. If these schools dont have the major you want, there may be other schools that you could look into as well. Here's a list:

California State Chico
California State University Dominguez
UCLA, UC Davis, UC Sacramento, and UC Irvine has distance courses but not necessarily a degree program

Indiana State University
Florida State University
New Mexico State University
Louisiana State University
Penn State
Michigan State University
University of New Mexico
University of Maryland
Washington State University
University of Texas
University of Northern Iowa

I hope this will give you a start.

Answer 3

better off going to a community college