Excelsior University: Providing Educational Opportunities for Adult Learners

Excelsior University, founded in 1971, stands as a private online university committed to providing educational opportunities for adult learners. Located in Albany, New York, with an additional educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida, Excelsior has a rich history of serving students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those historically underrepresented in higher education. Its mission is to offer flexible, affordable, and accredited pathways to degree completion, emphasizing student support and academic excellence.

A History of Innovation

Excelsior's journey began as the Regents External Degree Program (REX), established by the New York State Board of Regents. From 1971 to 1998, it operated as a program under the authority of The University of the State of New York. During this time, REX, later known as Regents College in 1986, pioneered an innovative approach to adult education, allowing learners to convert prior workforce and college experience into academic credit. This model enabled students to pursue degrees by aggregating credits earned through classroom education, relevant workplace training, and military experience.

In April 1998, the Board of Regents granted Excelsior a charter to operate as an independent, nonprofit institution. This marked a significant step in the university's evolution, solidifying its commitment to serving adult learners on a broader scale. On January 1, 2001, Regents College officially became Excelsior College.

Academic Programs and Schools

Excelsior University offers a wide range of associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs through its two colleges: the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is dedicated to preparing healthcare professionals for the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. The School of Nursing has twice been designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (ACEN). In 2026, Excelsior expanded its hybrid programs with a prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that includes online courses; in-person labs at Excelsior’s site in St.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a diverse range of programs in fields such as:

Biology
Chemistry
Communication
Criminal Justice
Law and Society
Economics
Geography
Geology
History
English
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
World Language and Literature

Flexible Learning Options

Excelsior University is committed to providing flexible learning options to accommodate the diverse needs of its students. The university primarily offers online degree programs, allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. In addition to online programs, Excelsior also offers hybrid degree programs in St. Petersburg, Florida. These programs combine online instruction with in-person labs, providing students with the opportunity to apply what they’re learning and build practical skills. In 2025, Excelsior developed a hybrid learning opportunities that blend online instruction with in-person experiences. A hybrid course in partnership with Paul Smith’s College was offered in the summer, and hybrid options for the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, and Master of Science in Cybersecurity programs with on-site learning at Excelsior’s site in St.

Accreditation and Recognition

Excelsior University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring the quality and credibility of its academic programs. This accreditation allows students to transfer credits to other institutions and enhances their career prospects.

Student Support Services

Excelsior University is committed to providing comprehensive support services to help students succeed. These services include:

Academic Advising: Students receive personalized guidance from academic advisors to help them choose the right courses, develop a degree plan, and stay on track to graduation.
Online Resources: Excelsior provides a wealth of online resources, including a virtual library, writing center, and tutoring services.
Technical Support: Students have access to technical support to help them with any technology-related issues.
Career Services: Excelsior offers career counseling, resume writing assistance, and job search resources to help students achieve their career goals.
Office of the Registrar: Students looking for information on registration and records should contact the office of the registrar. Most work is completed within 24 hours after receiving a request.

Policies and Procedures

Excelsior University has established policies and procedures to ensure a fair and supportive learning environment for all students. Some key policies include:

Read also: Excelsior Eligibility

Withdrawal Policy: At the undergraduate level, a student may withdraw from the same course a maximum of three times. After the third withdrawal from the same course, the student is not allowed to register for the course without permission from an academic advisor. An undergraduate student may receive a maximum of six W grades in Excelsior courses (not including AW or MW). After six W grades, the student will not have the option of withdrawing from a course. At the graduate level, students are allowed to accumulate a maximum of four W grades (not including AW and MW) in Excelsior courses. After four W grades, the student will not be allowed the option to withdraw from a course. Graduate students are allowed to accumulate a maximum of four AW grades (not including W or MW).
Grade Appeals: Students have the right to appeal an AW grade by using the Course Administratively Withdrawn Appeal Form. The appeal will be investigated, and a decision will be made no later than noon on Friday. If the appeal is approved, the Student Support team will notify the student, instructor, and the Registrar’s Office to remove the AW grade. The student’s access to the course will be restored.
Transcript Requests: There is a $20.00 fee for each transcript requested. Transcripts are normally sent within five business days.
Credential Requests: Alumni may submit a request for a replacement diploma using the Credential Request form. Further information on diploma reprints, cost and the link to the ordering form can be found here. delivery. Please allow up to eight weeks for international shipments. Alumni graduating August 2022 or later, will receive a complimentary certified electronic diploma or certificate upon degree conferral. It is an exact digital version of your physical Excelsior University diploma or certificate, using real-time, time and date stamped, fraud-proof validation. Excelsior University offers certified electronic credentials, known as a CeDiploma or CeCertificate. It is an exact digital version of your printed Excelsior University diploma or certificate, using real-time, time and date stamped, fraud-proof validation.
Letters of Enrollment and Completion: Excelsior University will provide of Letter of Good Standing stating if you are in good academic and disciplinary standing. You can confirm your mode of study, such as Fulltime or Partime and/or in classroom or online by requesting a Mode of Study Letter. After you have completed degree requirements and your records have been approved, but your degree has not yet been conferred, you may request a Letter of Qualification (LOQ). After your degree has been conferred, a Letter of Completion can be sent to graduate schools or employers to verify graduation status.

A University for All

Excelsior University's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its mission to provide educational opportunities to adult learners, with a particular focus on those historically underrepresented in higher education. The university welcomes students from all backgrounds, ages, and experiences, including those just starting their degrees, returning to college to finish their degrees, full-time professionals, and full-time parents.

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