[parsimo2010]

They glossed over some really big considerations. First, you have to be really self motivated to accomplish this. I don’t know too many 18 year olds that would push themselves enough to get as much out of a purely online program as compared to an in person program. Second, a DIY degree is not a “real” degree and will be looked down upon by many employers. That’s not to say that you won’t learn as much in a DIY program (if you are self motivated), but you’re going to restrict your job prospects.

I do agree with the idea that you might as well try it now. I wouldn’t recommend someone pay full tuition for an online class that was created in a hurry by a professor that didn’t want to do an online class. But you have to be prepared for the idea that you won’t like a DIY degree and will end up starting a regular degree next year. If you’re smart about it, you’ll make sure the classes you take note can transfer the credits- these types of courses are more expensive (hurting some of the DIY value proposition) but it’s a good insurance policy against having to start at square one next year.