Editing The Big Three

== Definition ==
"The Big 3" refers to the three schools with generous credit transfer policies: [[Thomas Edison State University]] (former Thomas Edison State College), [[Excelsior College]], and [[Charter Oak State College]].

These schools are appreciated on DegreeForum for the minimal residency requirements (very few classes need to be taken at the schools themselves - most credit can be transferred form other sources), acceptance of alternative credit (such as [[American Council on Education|ACE]]- or [[National College Credit Recommendation Service|NCCRS]]-approved sources), 100% online-format, and comparatively cheap pricing for test-out students.

Note that the term "Big 3" is primarily used within the community of self-directed learners pursuing education via alternative means. This term is not widely known outside of this community.
== Controversy ==
Updated policies at both TESU and COSC have seen the introduction of credit transfer limitations. Both of these schools now limit students to 90 credits of ACE/NCCRS per degree. They still allow students to transfer in 24 of the remaining 30 credits but those 24 credits must come from a [[Accreditation|RA]] source. Acceptable sources include, but are not limited to, classes taken at another regionally-accredited college or university; [[Thomas Edison Credit by Exam Program|TECEPs]]; [[UExcel Exams]]; and certain providers such as [[TEL Learning]]. This has some students questioning whether "The Big 3" even exists any more.
=== Other candidates ===
* Western Governors University (WGU) - This is a [[Competency-Based Programs|competency-based]] university that offers degrees in a few fields. Points in favor of their inclusion are the relatively low cost of a quickly-completed degree and the speed at which a degree may be completed. Arguments against their inclusion are that they allow relatively few transfer credits and they disallow international students.
* [[University of Maine at Presque Isle]] (UMPI) - Another university that offers competency-based degrees in highly attractive areas. Points in favor of their inclusion are that they now allow near-unlimited transfer credits as long as 30 credits are completed with the university itself. A student who completes the entirety of [[Sophia.org]]'s catalog will be approximately 2/3rds of the way towards a UMPI degree. Arguments against including UMPI in a "Big 3" or "Big 4" grouping are that the only inexpensive degrees they offer are competency-based and this is not a good option for some students.

[[Category:Institutions]]
[[Category:Terminology]]