Excelsior University

Excelsior University stands as a beacon for adult learners seeking to advance their education on a flexible, online platform. Founded in 1971, this private online university was designed from its inception to cater to individuals balancing professional and personal commitments, embodying its enduring motto, "Ever Upward."

Originally established by the New York State Board of Regents as The Regents External Degree Program (REX), Excelsior pioneered a unique approach to higher education. Its early development, bolstered by grants from prestigious organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation, laid the groundwork for an institution focused on accessibility and innovative degree pathways. This rich history underscores its commitment to nontraditional students, offering programs that recognize prior learning and provide pathways to degree completion.

Today, Excelsior University continues its mission, serving a vibrant community of over 14,000 students. Its academic strengths lie in its comprehensive online curriculum, designed to support diverse career goals and life stages. Students at Excelsior benefit from a highly adaptable learning environment that prioritizes their success, enabling them to pursue their educational aspirations without the constraints of traditional campus-based learning.

The student experience at Excelsior is characterized by independence, support, and relevance. It's an environment where learners can truly take control of their educational journey, supported by dedicated faculty and resources tailored for online engagement. As Excelsior has evolved, becoming an independent institution and eventually a university, it has consistently adapted to meet the needs of a changing workforce and a diverse student body, always pushing the boundaries of accessible higher education.