Open University

It has a good reputation because the learner has to be truly dedicated to the study.

Also, most students have other commitments, such as work.  Fitting your study around that shows great organisational skills.

I've studied with OU at masters level (many, many years back) and been an external marker for an OU masters degree.Can't speak to undergrad courses, but the postgrad study materials in social sciences are superb.

However, this gives rise to the question of what the student is bringing to the process: you cannot expect to better the study notes, and the assessment questions link directly to the study note topics, so you are, in effect, invited to regurgitate the notes you are given. Striking out on your own to offer an alternative perspective, almost regardless of the potential on show, will result in lower grades.

I resigned from a masters marking team over that precise issue.

So if you just want to buy a degree, go for it. If you want to be intellectually stretched and challenged, maybe you'll find it too limiting.