Columbia Southern University

Date: Jul 01 2010
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
I am a active duty soldier in the Army National Guard. I was nearing my 20 years of service and decided to finally take advantage of the educational benefits the military offers. I did my research on lots of schools and finally settled on CSU. With CSU being a Nationaly accredited school through DETC/CHEA, it allowed me to use my federal tuition assistance and is a LOI member in the GoArmyEd portal for Army personnel. The school is recognized by the department of education and that's all that matters.

After researching many schools, CSU was the only school who answered all my questions without any pressure of enrolling or signing up right away. Every other school when I called to ask basic information that I did not see on their website needed me to fill out an application and start submitting any prior coursework ASAP. That's what turned me off right away. I am very glad I enrolled at CSU, my expieriance has been great and the professor's feedback has always been in a timely manner and with proper responses to my work. The CSU book grant is also a plus, no out of pocket expense for me since starting this school. Having textbooks included with the tuition is a good deal, however if you fail your course then you must purchase the book. That's an incentive to study and make sure you pass.

The courses are typically 8 weeks worth of material if you're on a term schedule, the self paced program, which I am in, allows you 10 weeks. Typically you will read 2-3 chapters and have 10 open book multiple choice questions to answer and 2 essay responses of 200-300 words, it depends on the course. Some people say that open book is easy but it can be challenging at times, you need to make sure you read and understand every page of your textbook. This has been perfect for me as a husband, father, and full time military, my schedule can be very hectic. Being able to study anytime, anyplace is awesome. I must say I have learned so much by the courses I have taken and have already used the material learned in my daily life.

Since I never attended college before I must say that CSU has been a wonderful school to work with, considering all the negative comments I hear about other schools, I am glad I chose CSU. I am currently in my 10th class, having 57 credit hours to transfer from my military training through ACE evaluations, I have 11 more to go to complete my degree for B.S.B.A HRM. I should complete my degree in the spring of 2012 just before my son graduates from high school.

I would recommend this school to anyone for earning a quality degree. As for all the hype with RA schools verses NA schools, it's what you make of it. You have to do your research before committing yourself to something. Online programs have opened the doors for many adult learners who never completed their degree or starting for the first time. If the program fits your needs and you're enjoying the learning expieriance, then settle in and make the best of your education. Either way you will have a degree that you can be proud of earning and know that you have accomplished something that a majority of folks do not obtain.