Does anyone know of any online colleges that waive residency requirements?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:59:48 -0400

Prior to my military career, I attended a community college and earned 47 credit hours. That, in addition to my JST, likely puts me right near my associates degree. I understand that many of the classes may not transfer directly for individual colleges programs, but my main concern is the residency requirements. Most colleges have a minimum of 25% or 15 total credit hours earned at their institution in order to earn an associates degree. I’ve heard that some colleges waive this requirement for a fee. Is anyone aware of any such college? Appreciate the help!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 6:21 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:21:26 -0400

Found one:

https://www.tesu.edu/tuition/fees

Thomas Edison State University: Fees

NOTE:The Credit Hour Residency Waiver fee is a one-time fee that only applies to students who do not earn at least 16 credits via the University’s Online (OL), Guided Study (GS) or e-Pack (EP) courses before they complete their degree or undergraduate certificate. If a student pays the fee, and does not apply for graduation within 12 months, they will be required to pay additional credit hour residency waiver fees.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 6:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:36:00 -0400

Your JST isn't credit, it's recommended credits. Also, you have the meanings of residency mixed up. Most colleges will require at least 12, which is 4 classes. The residency you put a link to has to do with state residence. There is no reputable, regionally accredited college that will allow you to claim a degree from them without actually taking at least a few classes from their school.
As for your JST, I received 40 SH of credit from Coastline Community College as a 68W in the Health Science Technology degree and had to take 7 classes for my associates. CCC is the only community College I've seen who will accept that much transfer credit in. TESU is a good school as well and I transferred my AA from CCC to a bachelor program there. As for the residency part concerning in state and out of state, you automatically receive the in state rate as a military student

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 7:49 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:49:50 -0400

Fayetteville Tech is a very good one as well. You will almost always need to do about 1/4 of your classes with a school towards an Associates or Bachelor's - the school needs to be part of enough of your education to merit a degree.
Just wait - grad school usually doesn't transfer at all. Granted the whole program is only like 11 courses.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 10:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 22:41:26 -0400

Check out Excelsior College. Here's a program I think would fit for you. They take up to 53 credits towards the program, and depending on what classes you have, it should be fairly easy. It's regionally accredited by the same organization that credits Ohio State University (last I checked).

https://www.excelsior.edu/program/associate-in-health-sciences-degree/

Associate in Science in Health Sciences Online | Credit for Certifications

An online associate of science in health sciences degree built for your busy life. Credit accepted for health care certifications.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2020 6:22 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:22:15 -0400

Update: after applying to Thomas Edison State, my JST was worth 47 credit hours. Unofficial transcripts were available within a week, whereas officials copies are available 10 days after the start date of your first class. There is an option to pay a fee where they will accept your JST without enrolling in classes, however this fee is not covered by TA. Thomas Edison State is regionally accredited and is primarily online. Could be a great resource for soldiers who now have more free time while dealing with Covid-19.