Anyone Else Going to Strayer University?

[mark2544]

It is highly unlikely that these credits will transfer to GMU.

[FeminaJanus]

I see a number of people mentioning that Strayer is a for-profit organization and that anyone can graduate as long as you pay your tuition, even though the degree you receive would not be respected.

First, yes - it is a for-profit organization. Many private colleges are. That does not mean you won't receive a good education. In order to get accredited, the school must meet the same curriculum requirements as every other school.

Second, simply paying your tuition does not guaruntee you a degree. There are requirements outlined in their course catalogue that will show you that. While the vast majority of students do receive their degree, it's not because they paid tuition. Just like other schools, you cannot graduate if your grades are below requirements. There have been plenty of people who did not graduate because of this.

Third (and this is for the person who said the only good degree is the one you work full-time for 4 years for), that's rediculous. Many people (myself included) did not have the grades or the money to go right into a 4-year school out of high school. My only option was to get a job. For those people, you're saying they should find a way to get into a 4-year school? That's impossible for a lot of people. How can you go to school full-time, work full-time and raise a family? (Keep in mind that traditional 4-year schools very rarely offer night courses for working adults.)

Fourth, I agree that there may be some people out there who will not respect a degree from Strayer University. However, that number of people is shrinking. In fact, US News named Strayer University one of the nation's top colleges for 2008.

Is the school expensive? Yes, it is expensive. I actually just started working for Strayer about a week ago. Without the education benefit, I wouldn't even be able to consider going here. However, it's only taken me a week to realize just how great this school really is. You can go to school at the campus or online. You can apply for book vouchers to assist with your books. The programs they offer require you to take the same classes you would take at any other school and the professors are professional with PLENTY of experience. After all the research I've done (most of which I did before accepting the position), I realize how unfair it was for me to criticize a school I'd never even stepped foot in. I'm starting at the bottom of the ladder at this school, but within 4 - 5 years I'll have my Bachelor's. It may not be a "prestigous" as a traditional 4-year school, but my office experience coupled with my degree will prove to any employer that I'm worth the money I want.

[Crazy_Daisy]

Good for you!

[XSE]

I read every post here and everyone has made good points about going to an online vs a brick and motor school. I only see one problem with Strayer and that is the 180 credits needed for Graduation for a CIS degree. I attended a community college which I believe most of my credit will transfer over. I also have a few certifications that will allow me to cut down on the total credit hours needed.

I'm currently attending Franklin University online and haven't heard anything bad about there program or seen anything negative about them online(I'm sure there has to be something out there, but I haven't seen it). I pay $335 per credit. That is about the same as Strayer would cost per class. But, I only need 124 credits to graduate and all of my Information Technology from my associate degree transferred.

Sitting in a traditional classroom doesn't make you any better than those who take classes online. Many people who are more traditional can't even take classes online because they don't have the discipline to complete the work without having the professor hold their hand.