Excelsior University
The Vibe Check
Attending Excelsior University feels like being part of a mission-driven community of adult learners balancing education with full-time lives. The atmosphere is pragmatic and supportive, with a strong focus on flexibility and applying knowledge directly to your career. It's less about a traditional campus quad and more about a shared journey toward upward mobility.
Academics & Majors
Excelsior excels in career-focused programs, particularly in Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice, designed for practical application. As a pioneer in distance learning, the university delivers high-quality, flexible online instruction that caters to working adults. While research opportunities are more limited compared to traditional research universities, the curriculum is built around real-world competencies.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Albany
For students in the Albany area, the city offers a vibrant mix of government, tech, and cultural activities. You can explore the New York State Museum, catch a show at The Palace Theatre, or enjoy the craft brewery scene in neighborhoods like Center Square. Proximity to the state capital also provides unique networking and internship opportunities in public service and law.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($78,493):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
As a primarily online university, Excelsior does not have a traditional campus to secure, which eliminates on-campus safety concerns. Students in the Albany area can feel comfortable in the urban setting, though standard city precautions are always advised for any in-person activities or visits.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional flexibility for working adults with fully online, asynchronous programs
- ✓ Generous credit transfer policies that can significantly reduce time to degree completion
- ✓ Strong focus on high-demand career fields like healthcare and criminal justice
- ✓ Robust student support services tailored for non-traditional students
Cons
- ✗ Lacks the traditional 'college experience' with a residential campus life
- ✗ Limited opportunities for on-campus research or lab-based learning
- ✗ The online format requires a high degree of self-discipline and motivation
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Excelsior University is widely known for its pioneering role in online education and its focus on adult learners. It specializes in flexible, career-oriented degree programs in fields like Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice, and is recognized for its generous credit transfer and prior learning assessment policies.
Excelsior University has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The focus is less on traditional metrics like GPA or test scores and more on an applicant's readiness for college-level work, often demonstrated through prior learning, professional experience, and transferred credits. The 24.9% Pell Grant rate indicates a student body from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Campus life at Excelsior is primarily virtual, designed to support students who are balancing education with work and family. The experience is centered around a robust online learning platform, virtual student communities, and dedicated academic advising. There are no traditional dorms, sports teams, or campus events, but the university fosters connection through online clubs and support forums.
For its target student, Excelsior is often considered a high-value investment. The 10-year median earnings of $78,493 significantly outpaces the national average, suggesting strong career ROI. The ability to accelerate a degree by transferring credits and the flexibility to maintain employment while studying further enhance its financial value, often resulting in less debt and immediate career advancement.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1971
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 19,185
- Zip Code 12203
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a 10-year median earnings figure of $78,493, Excelsior University offers a strong return on investment, especially for its target audience of working adults. The combination of competitive tuition and the ability to accelerate degree completion through existing credits makes it a financially savvy choice. The degree provides a clear pathway to career advancement without the high debt load of many traditional universities.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.