Have you considered CSU for your education?

2016-06-13T00:23:16-04:00

For those seeking to advance themselves with civilian ed. I'd urge you to look into Columbus State University. I know this may seem like I am "advertising" for them, I'm not. Simply put I just completed a second semester with the university and am astonished by the them. If you are interested I'll add more details in a comment below. Feel free to ask any questions too.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jun 13 at 2016 12:36 AM

2016-06-13T00:36:33-04:00

They should be so lucky.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 12:40 AM

2016-06-13T00:40:05-04:00

Doesn't the USN have actual nuclear physicists?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 12:47 AM

2016-06-13T00:47:35-04:00

Further unbiased information on the option:

Firstly the school in recent years from what I understand has been trying to streamline themselves better for the local military community. I'd say they're doing pretty well.

To answer the most common question "will credits transfer". I can't say for everyone but I didn't have any problem transferring in my credits from Kaplan University. From their own website "courses completed at a regionally accredited college or university will transfer". They also list CLEP as an option they'll accept as well as advanced placement if you have those.
Con: obviously many people will be different here but the university states it accepts credits being transferred from military service. requiring you to submit your joint services transcript yet zero were accepted from mine so keep that in mind.

Class times: obviously we are all soldiers first and foremost and attempting to schedule a class time can be difficult considering our non consistent work hours but most classes I needed had late afternoon and evening hours. If you wanted to be in a physical classroom, also the University has the majority of it's classes online as well. I completed a chemistry course online (chemistry course with a lab actually online) and had no issues. Great opportunity. I'm a biology premed student so there are classes that makes it simply impossible to have online. Yet I spoke with my professors on site and with my leadership(who are understanding and fully helpful) and I never had any issues making it to classes.

Cost: CSU requires a student fee at the beginning of each semester that is not covered by TA. It's $175 or in that range. The classes are priced fairly I believe and while TA did not cover the complete costs of the school for me, it would fully cover an average soldier. My extra costs came from taking a 13hr semester and a 10 which the TA was not designed to cover. Also if you begin school at CSU and are exiting service soon but wish to continue with CSU they give you a year grace period after service to become a resident of Ga for instate costs.

Overall: Honestly I enrolled at CSU without much expectations considering the area, yet I have been blown away by the staff and facilities and the student body. They have worked with me well around a military schedule to be able to continue to reach my own personal education goals while continuing to serve and I believe it is honestly such a missed opportunity for so many here on benning to not take full advantage of having such a quality education facility so close.

This post was a little long winded, thanks for reading, leaders of soldiers if you have younger soldiers wanting to begin their education you can add this to your toolbag.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 6:44 AM

2016-06-13T06:44:05-04:00

I have 2 degrees from CSU.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Jun 13 at 2016 7:23 AM

2016-06-13T07:23:11-04:00

Bootstrapped at CSU following IOAC; didn't have to move. Great experience for us at the time. Good school sponsored Alumni support efforts.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 8:03 AM

2016-06-13T08:03:21-04:00

Are they reasonable on ML experience to credits? What's thier top 5 fields of study you advise?

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jun 15 at 2016 3:44 PM

2016-06-15T15:44:43-04:00

I'm interested in attending there in the Green to Gold program to get my Master's. One concern is getting my Bachelor's accepted. Do you know of anyone getting a non-regionally accredited Bachelor's degree accepted?