Is a Degree from Excelsior University Respected?

Is Excelsior University respected? Learn everything you need to know about this non-profit online university that caters specifically to non-traditional, busy adult students.

Excelsior University is a private, not-for-profit online university based in Albany, New York. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs and primarily caters to non-traditional adult students.

The university offers a variety of programs, but is Excelsior University respected? Excelsior is a respected institution, offering many strong programs. We explain in more detail below.

Is Excelsior University Accredited?

Excelsior University is regionally accredited, specifically by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

At the institutional level, colleges and universities in the United States can be either regionally or nationally accredited. Most are regionally accredited, and regional accreditation is generally preferred.

Multiple programs at Excelsior University also have programmatic accreditation. Agencies that accredit programs at Excelsior University include:

  • ABET's Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission and Computing Accreditation Commission
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security have also designated the university as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

What Is Excelsior University Known For?

Excelsior University is known for serving non-traditional, working adult students through its flexible online education programs.

The university has been offering programs to non-traditional students since 1971, but today all its programs are online.

Today, Excelsior University is the largest online educational institution in the state of New York and is a member of the University of the State of New York.

Is Excelsior University a Good Choice?

Although student needs vary, for many students looking to pursue an online education, Excelsior University is a good choice.

The university's focus on providing flexible programs to adult students means that those with jobs, dependents, or otherwise busy lives will be able to succeed.

The average age of students at Excelsior University is 35, and 75% of students work full-time while studying.

Many of the university's programs are well-ranked among online programs. For example, OnlineU has ranked Excelsior University:

  • #1 in online psychology degrees
  • #2 in online bachelor's in supply chain management programs
  • #3 in online master's degrees in criminal justice
  • #3 in online associate degrees in management
  • #4 in online business management degrees

Many students rate the university four or five stars. Reviews rave about the accelerated program options that allow students the flexibility to work and tend to their families while studying.

Acceptance Rates at Excelsior University

Excelsior University has an open admissions policy, meaning it accepts all students so long as they meet the minimum admissions requirements.

All students will need to submit an application and official transcripts, but specific requirements vary between programs.

Graduate programs require students to submit the transcripts from their bachelor's degree program. Most do not require the GRE or GMAT.

Online Programs Offered at Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers online associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree programs as well as certificate and training programs.

Programs at Excelsior University are available in the following areas of study:

  • business
  • health sciences
  • liberal arts
  • nursing
  • public service
  • technology

The most popular fields of study at the university are liberal arts, nursing and healthcare, business, and technology, with liberal arts and nursing being the most popular.

What Are Online Classes Like at Excelsior University?

Online classes at Excelsior University provide students with a scheduled syllabus and are led by instructors with graduate degrees.

Most classes are offered asynchronously, which means you do not have to log in at a set time. Instead, you log in to complete your work when it's most convenient for your schedule.

Each course is different but typically requires students to read textbooks, complete assignments, and respond to discussion questions on a weekly basis.

The majority of courses are worth three credits and run for either eight or 15 weeks. This allows students to complete the program more quickly or adjust their course load to work around their schedule.

Start Your Degree Today

Excelsior University is a respected institution that offers online degree programs to nontraditional students. With the guide above, you can determine if Excelsior University is the right online university for you.