History and Legacy: A Pioneer in Online Education
The history of Excelsior College is a testament to innovation in higher education. Originally established in 1971 by the Board of Regents of the State University of New York as the “Regents External Degree Program,” it was designed to help adult learners convert knowledge gained through work, military service, and prior college experiences into recognized college credits. With funding from the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation, this program pioneered the use of credit aggregation and prior learning assessment to earn degrees. In 1998, the institution received its charter to operate independently, and in 2001, it was renamed Excelsior College—a name derived from New York State’s motto, meaning “Ever Upward.” On August 1, 2022, to reflect its expanding academic scope and ambitious vision, the college officially upgraded its status to Excelsior University.
Student Profile: Tailored for Working and Military Students
Excelsior University is not designed for traditional high school graduates; its student body has distinct characteristics, and it is precisely because of this that the university can provide such targeted support. The average student age is 35.7, and the vast majority (79%) hold full-time jobs. The university is an ideal choice for military students, with as many as 35% of the student body consisting of active-duty service members or veterans. Recognizing the wealth of experience these students bring, the university’s educational model emphasizes converting prior learning, military training, and professional certifications into valuable academic credits, thereby saving time and money. With a failing grade, can I still earn an American college degree?
Teaching Model: Flexible, Efficient, and Personalized
Excelsior College’s teaching model is designed entirely around the student’s lifestyle. All courses utilize asynchronous online learning, allowing students to complete coursework flexibly within an 8-week period according to their personal schedules. The university offers year-round admissions, allowing students to begin their studies sooner. To ensure students are not left to navigate the process alone, the university assigns each student a “Student Success Coach” who serves as a central point of support throughout the entire academic journey, from course selection to financial planning. The university encourages students to leverage their prior learning to earn credits and provides an efficient credit transfer evaluation system, helping students clearly understand the time and cost required to earn their degree before enrollment.
Student Outcomes and Career Support
The educational value of Excelsior College is ultimately reflected in students’ career development. The university boasts high course completion rates of 92% (undergraduate) and 95% (graduate), demonstrating students’ strong motivation to learn within this flexible framework. More importantly, 81% of surveyed graduates reported gaining new career opportunities after earning their degree, and among those who received career advancements, 96% also experienced a salary increase.
Through initiatives such as the online “Career Café,” the university helps students connect with alumni and employers, and many graduates have successfully entered various industries, including public accounting and public safety.
Online Courses and Distance Learning Features
Excelsior is renowned for its mature online teaching system and highly flexible learning pathways. Courses are primarily asynchronous, allowing students to pace their studies around their work schedules; the university also supports intensive modules, short-term courses, and certificate programs. The university prioritizes competency-based assessment, emphasizing practical skills rather than mere classroom hours. This approach is particularly beneficial for working professionals, as it allows them to convert prior work experience into academic credits, thereby reducing the course load and tuition costs.
Student Support, Career Development, and Military-Friendly Policies
The university provides one-on-one academic advising, academic writing support, and career services to help students develop study plans and job-search strategies. Excelsior is highly supportive of active-duty service members and veterans, offering specialized credit transfer evaluations and tuition reduction policies, which have earned it a strong reputation within the military community. Additionally, the Career Development Center collaborates with the alumni network to provide internships, job listings, and industry mentor resources, helping graduates make a smooth transition into the workforce.
Personal Perspective and Summary: I believe Excelsior University’s greatest strength lies in its deep understanding of adult learners and its practical support system. For students who need to balance work and family responsibilities and wish to quickly convert their existing experience into a degree, it offers a highly practical and cost-effective pathway. However, it is important to recognize that Excelsior may not be the best choice for those seeking a traditional campus experience, extensive in-person research opportunities, or high-impact academic rankings; it is better suited for learners with clear goals who prioritize career returns.
Why It’s So Popular:
– Flexible academic programs and generous credit transfer policies that shorten the time to graduation;
– Dedicated support and benefits for military personnel and adult learners;
– Career-oriented curriculum design closely aligned with industry needs.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
The university offers a variety of need-based and merit-based financial aid options, with special support programs for military personnel and their families. Students can also consult academic advisors to explore relevant external scholarships and employer-sponsored programs.
