Excelsior College

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Welcoming campus environment
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Excelsior College differs fundamentally from traditional residential experiences because students never gather on a physical campus for classes. Instead, community forms through online platforms, regional chapter activities, and shared experiences as adult learners navigating similar challenges. The college works intentionally to create connection despite geographic dispersion, recognizing that learning benefits from peer interaction and support. Online learning platforms serve as virtual gathering spaces where students interact with instructors and classmates. Discussion boards, group projects, and video conferencing bring students together across time zones. Study groups form around shared courses, with students supporting each other through challenging material. The flexibility of asynchronous learning means students in different circumstances can still collaborate effectively. Regional chapters and alumni networks provide in-person connection opportunities. Nurses in the same metropolitan area might gather for networking events. Veterans' groups connect those who share military backgrounds. These gatherings offer professional networking alongside social connection, recognizing that adult students often seek both from their educational experiences. Student services extend to career development, academic advising, and personal support. Advisors help students map efficient paths to degree completion, maximizing credit for prior learning. Career services assist with job searches, resume development, and interview preparation. Mental health resources acknowledge that adult learners face stresses from juggling multiple responsibilities. Library services provide research support accessible from anywhere. The goal throughout is making students feel supported despite never walking into a physical student services office.

Location & Surroundings

Albany, New York serves as Excelsior College's administrative headquarters, though this matters little to most students who interact with the institution entirely online. The college maintains a physical presence in New York's capital city for staff, faculty offices, and regulatory purposes, but the true "location" of an Excelsior education is wherever students happen to be studying. This could mean a military base overseas, a hospital break room during night shift, or a kitchen table after children go to sleep. The distributed model means students don't relocate for education or commute to campus. They access coursework from home computers, mobile devices, or workplace stations during available moments. This accessibility opened higher education to populations previously excluded by geography, mobility, and scheduling constraints. Rural students without nearby colleges, caregivers unable to leave home regularly, and shift workers with unpredictable schedules all find pathways through Excelsior's approach. For the relatively small number of administrative staff working in Albany, the city offers a modest state capital environment. Government employment dominates the local economy, with healthcare and education sectors also significant. The Hudson River runs through downtown, and historic architecture reflects the city's long history as a political and commercial center. Cultural amenities serve the region without matching larger metropolitan areas. Students benefit from the ability to remain in their current communities while pursuing education. They don't uproot families, leave jobs, or incur relocation expenses. Career advancement often happens in place as employers recognize the credentials earned. The online model has become increasingly common across higher education, but Excelsior developed expertise over decades that newer entrants still work to match.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Excelsior College offers competitive tuition for adult learners, with costs varying by program and enrollment status. Undergraduate tuition runs approximately $510 per credit hour, while graduate programs charge around $725 per credit hour. These rates compare favorably to many private institutions, though they exceed community college pricing. The value proposition centers on flexibility and speed to completion rather than lowest absolute cost. Financial aid options include federal student loans and grants for eligible students. Military tuition assistance covers much of the cost for active-duty service members. Veterans's GI Bill benefits apply to Excelsior programs. The college participates in employer tuition assistance programs, and many students have employers paying substantial portions of their education costs. Scholarships specifically for adult learners and nursing students provide additional support options. Credit for prior learning significantly reduces total costs for many students. A student who enters with 60 credits already earned needs only complete remaining requirements rather than starting fresh. Military students often bring substantial credits from service training. Workplace certifications that convert to credit similarly reduce course requirements. Testing out of subjects through CLEP and other exams costs far less than taking courses. Career outcomes reflect the practical orientation of Excelsior programs. Nursing graduates advance from RN to BSN positions, often with immediate salary increases. Business graduates move into management roles or complete credentials needed for promotion. Technology graduates enter growing fields with strong demand. The college tracks graduate employment and salary data, reporting outcomes that support the investment in completing degrees.

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