HES is oriented for working adults, mostly classes in the evening. Knowing employers would view this in its correct context. Depending on your life situation (i.e. you seem to have many options), a UC degree probably will open many more doors than an HES degree. People pursuing an HES degree are doing it to bolster their career chances b/c they possess no BA. The idea of getting this degree alongside people with the avg age of 30ish, married with kids, while paying exorbitant Boston rent is a attractive to you as a young person, wanting a Harvard diploma at all costs – is simply a bad one. If UCs are a viable option, definitely pursue them.