Excelsior College

Introduction to Excelsior College

Excelsior College, located in Albany, New York, is part of the University of the State of New York. Founded in 1971 by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, the school was originally the Regents External Degree Program.

It remained a publicly funded external degree unit of the New York State Education Department until 1984,  when it was renamed Regents College. By 2001, the school became a private college and changed its name to Excelsior College.

Student Life at Excelsior College

With around 30,000 students enrolled, Excelsior has a large variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These classes are flexible, with both on-campus options and distance learning studies to help students from all backgrounds earn a degree.

The curriculum takes place online or through CD, with classes starting every other month, so students can learn at an individual pace. The school focuses mainly on technology, business and health sciences degree programs. It also offers Excelsior College Examinations, which are comparable to the DSST or CLEP exams and can be a source of transferable college credit.

FAQs on Excelsior College

What is the Accreditation Status of Excelsior College?

The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Excelsior College. Other accreditations come from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

What Are the Requirements for Admission to Some Excelsior College?

To apply to Excelsior College, prospective students need to submit an application form online, including a nonrefundable fee and official transcripts of prior college credits. Afterwards, students enroll online and choose the program they intend to study. Certain programs require current licensing or certification, such as nursing.

Can I Receive Financial Aid From Excelsior College?

The fee structure allows students to pay for classes as they go. Excelsior offers payment plans in partnership with Nelnet Business Solutions, so students can properly budget their tuition costs. Payment plans vary from paying per credit to a monthly bill.

Excelsior also helps students secure financial aid through FAFSA, New York State financial aid and various part-time study programs. Military members and their families may be eligible for tuition discounts.

What Are the Career Possibilities With Excelsior College?

At Excelsior, the degree programs in business, technology, liberal arts, health sciences and nursing range from associate's to graduate level. The Excelsior College School of Nursing offers ASN, BSN and MSN degrees, as well as a RN to MSN option.

Business degrees study areas such as accounting, finance, global business, marketing, operations management and risk management, while the health sciences division offers certificates in healthcare informatics and end of life care, among others. Technology degrees include information technology, nuclear engineering technology and electronics engineering technology.

What Notable Individuals Have Graduated From Excelsior College?

Notable graduates of Excelsior include football coach June Jones, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, Maryland state congressman Anthony J. O'Donnell and Edward H. Rensi, co-owner of Team Rensi Motor Sports.