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 ACE- or 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 RA source. Acceptable sources include, but are not limited to, classes taken at another regionally-accredited college or university; 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 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.