As far as Phoenix goes, I, absolutley love it. I know what you are saying about the "pushyness", but if you can get by that, it's a really great school. I've learned far more since November when I started, than I did in my 4 years at Salem State. However, if you plan to seek employment in Massachusetts, Phoenix is not your best choice. I spoke to the Dean of the Criminal Justice Department as well as the Assistant Director of the MA Board of Higher Education regarding Phoenix. Phoenix itself has no plans to apply for Quinn Bill acceptance. This is due to a technicality. Phoenix's professors are not employees, but contractors, and therefore are not considered full time doctoral professors for the purposes of Quinn. For this reason Phoenix would be denied for Quinn Bill purposes if they applied.
My plan if I end up staying in Massachusetts (unlikley at this point), is upon completing Phoenix, to attend UMass Lowell for their Online Master's program. In speaking with that Assistant Director at the MA BOHE, this would be acceptable for Quinn Bill purposes, and I would be able to receive benefits at the masters level, despite my bachelor's degree was not Quinn Bill approved. I would just be out the money, during the 18 months, I am completing my masters with Lowell.
As far as Lowell goes, to the best of my knowlege, they are completley online. I have requsted a brochure from them but haven't received it yet. Another thing to consider, depending on when you are planning to go to school is Norwich. I received some literature from Norwich, which states that they are confident that their online masters program will be accepted for the Quinn Bill by Summer 05. Norwich requires you to attend a seminar at the Vermont campus for one week at the end of your masters studies.
I don't have it with me right now (lent it to a friend), but that Bear's Guide to Distance Education is really the way to go, if you are confused about what is accredited and what is not. The list all the schools as either legitimate, accepted, and accredited or as a diploma mill. It really breaks it down, so you don't waste your time and money.
If anyone is interested in attending Phoenix, drop me a PM, I'll give you the name and email address of the admissions people I dealt with. They were really good. For those of you that may have your master's or doctoral degrees, they are often looking for instructors as well. Could be a good side money job.