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I've checked out Penn Foster a few times, but i'm still unsure of taking online degrees from this college. Has anybody pursuded the the Civil Engineering Technology degree from Penn Foster. What was your experience like when persuing your degree from Penn Foster, and what reasources do you have if you have trobles with your studies. How long do you have to complete each semester?

Understand that Penn Foster is accredited by the DETC (a national accreditor) and as such their coursework won't transfer to most regionally accredited colleges (such as your state univerisity). They have had much of their coursework ACE reviewed which will allow transfer to some colleges, but transferability is often a challenge.

They are legit and many people are very happy with the programs. I bring this up though so that you are advised in advance. Understand too – most vocational/technical courses at this level won't transfer even if you take them at your local community college.

If you have no plans to transfer this degree or the courses to a bachelor's degree later then it's a non-issue. If you're going to go on to more advanced study then you need a regionally accredited college.

Now, UoP: They are regionally accredited but their reputation isn't exactly the greatest. Comparing them to PF is apples and oranges though – PF is a vocational program whereas UoP is academic.

If you're wanting to go after an academic degree, even an associates, there are much better options for you than the "as seen on TV" online colleges. It's very likely that your local community college or a community college in your state teaches online – and does so way cheaper than UoP.

For a good search engine of legit online programs, visit Peterson's http://www.petersons.com/distancelearning/code/search.asp UoP is there too but there are plenty of other options as well. Places like UMass, Florida State, U Texas, CalState, who have a more solid reputation.