Excelsior College Reviews


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Great value

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: buffalony (Graduate) on October 25, 2009

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Rec'd A.S. in 1989 and B.S. in 1990(Called Regents College at the time). Excellent value. Obtaining this degree helped me get promoted while on active dduty in the Navy and helped me qualify for the position I now have with the government as a civilian.  Credit for all my military schools and accepting CLEP and DANTES tests, as well as giving credit for high scores on GRE's make this a quick way to obtain your degree.  My diplomas say University of the State of New York

Excelsior College

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: thomblacknc (Graduate) on September 18, 2009

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Overall positive experience. Received A.A. in 1982; B.S. in '04. Excelsior liberally accepted credits from other institutions as well as CLEP, DANTES, etc. My Excelsior degrees have been readily recognized as valid, regionally accredited degrees. Excelsior was certainly a flexible, affordable method of degree completion. However, this program does require participants to be disciplined and somewhat self-directed. Some adult learners may need a more structured classroom approach but for those who are comfortable with independent learning it is an excellent adult degree program. (Support staff were always exceptional.)

There is a reason they want all you money upfront

nursing
Reviewer: handyone2 (Degree In Progress) on September 8, 2009

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I would question the source of any review that gives this college a 5 or above rating. They want the money for all courses upfront and then the materials don't cover the test. To be clear, insuficient materials are provided to properly prepare for the tests.  And there is insufficient support when trying to get the proper information.  The program does have some guarantees, however they are useless and it is not at all practical to meet the stipulations of the guarantee. Even the testing college said we needed additional materials. I have been around the block a time or two and would discourage anyone from using this program.   In fact I would say that we were definitly taken advatage of.  It would be interesting to see the programs overall results.

Its a scam

Applied Science
Reviewer: bobo (Degree In Progress) on August 9, 2009

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People that run this are inept and out for money. The person who runs the military credit exchange is a joke. Funny how a brick and mortar school (where I am now at) accepted my ACE/DANTES and other military credits but this crap school wouldn't. Too bad I had to find out after a few hundred dollars.  Folks-you get what you pay for and work for-there are no easy degrees. Save yourself the hassle and go to a brick and mortar school. Most of them even have their own online or distance learning programs-that way shams like Excelsior can go bankrupt.

Excellent College, well worth going to

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: lizdchief (Graduate) on July 17, 2009

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I graduated with both as AS and BS from Excelsior College.

They supported me the entire time I was enrolled.  The counselors and professors are tops, giving great and valuable guidance, instruction, and support.  The online library made it easy to find the reference materials needed to write top-notch papers.  

The flexibility of the training was a big plus as I travel a lot for business.  I loved the fact that with many of the courses you had a choice of online or CBT based instruction.  The CBT based was a godsend while I was deployed and bandwidth/Internet connectivity was never reliable but I still had the support of a professor via email. 

I have completed many traditional class studies and online studies.  In my opinion I could not see a significant difference between the to types of course study during my time at Excelsior.

BEST COLLEGE EVER

nursing
Reviewer: Anonymous (Degree In Progress) on May 10, 2009

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AWESOME COLLEGE. AFFORDABLE. PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE. IS THERE ANY OTHER COLLEGE IN THE US WITH AP PAYMENT PLAN? I GRADUATED WITH AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE AND NO LOAN TO PAY BACK WORKING 2 JOBS AT THE SAME TIME. NEVER MISSED A BEAT. NEVER COMPROMISED MY YEARLY EARNINGS!! GREAT COLLEGE. NOW I AM WORKING ON MY MASTERS IN NURSING AND ALL TO WHOM I APPLIED ACCEPTED MY DEGREE FROM EXCELSIOR. FOR MY MASTERS I TRIED UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX AND BOY DID I QUICKLY LEARN WHERE MY LOYALTIES LIE. EXCELSIOR IS THE BEST COLLEGE EVER.

Never regretted this decision!

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: johngarner (Graduate) on February 18, 2009

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Only school that I could find that offered a degree in Music. I have been a Music Director for many years and have an extensive resume in solo singing. I changed my major at a well known university here in Virginia from Business to Music and they wanted me to take a lot of elementary classes that were unnecessary. I transferred all my credits to Excelsior and in one year I have received a BSLS with a focus in both Business and Music and it is so stated on my transcripts. It would have taken a lot of wasted time and money to pursue it any other way. True, i did have to do most of the work myself as far as getting classes, but it kept me focused until I achieved my goal.

The best choice I could have made

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Graduate) on January 27, 2009

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I researched dozens of online colleges before deciding on Excelsior College for my BS in Liberal Studies. I was impressed with their wide array of major and focus offerings as well as the flexibility of the programs. I took seven exams and one course through EC and each was challenging and rewarding, a real liberal arts education. The advising and customer service was wonderful. They answered all of my emails and phone calls within 24 hours and were very helpful and knowledgeable. They even pushed my graduation date up a month at my request because I needed my degree credential for a job application that was closing. I am proud of my Excelsior College degree and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to others. Ever upward!

Great Learning Experience

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Degree In Progress) on January 26, 2009

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Expensive but worth the costs for us professionals seeking to complete their degree at a regionally accredited university.

GOOD EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Graduate) on October 15, 2008

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MY EXPERIENCE WITH EXCELSIOR HAS BEEN GREAT. I TRANSFERRED A LARGE NUMBER OF CREDITS AND ONLY NEEDED TO TAKE THE INFORMATION LITERACY COURSE TO GRADUATE. I TOOK THE COURSE AND COMPLETED MY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS ACCORDINGLY. I WAS AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENROLLMENT FEE, SO I WAS LEFT WITH THE FEE TO TAKE THE ONE COURSE REQUIRED AND THE GRAUDATION FEE. THE ADVISING STAFF WAS PHENOMENAL AND ALWAYS SENT YOU AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION TO REVIEW EXACTLY WHAT YOU DISCUSS WITH THEM VIA THE PHONE. (I LOVE THAT) EVERYONE WAS COURTEOUS AND KNOWLEDGABLE. I DO THINK THIS SCHOOL IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS MULTIPLE SOURCES OF COLLEGE CREDIT. I TOOK THE TIME TO REVIEW THEIR DEGREE PROGRAM AND DID A ROUGH ESTIMATE OF HOW MY PREVIOUS COLLEGE COURSEWORK WOULD FIT INTO THEIR REQUIREMENTS. I CAN SAY I AM VERY HAPPY!

INFORMATION LITERACY
THE INFORMATION LITERACY COURSE, I MUST SAY, WAS A BIT OF A WASTE OF TIME. THE COURSE COST $300 TO TAKE AND ONLY TOOK ME ONE DAY TO COMPLETE IN ITS ENTIRETY. IT IS A SELF PACED COURSE ON REASEARCH TECHNIQUES AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO EFFICIENTLY GATHER AND LOCATE INFORMATION. I JUST FELT LIKE THE COURSE WAS SUCH A WASTE OF TIME AS NONE OF THE IDEAS INTRODUCED WERE NEW. ANYONE WHO HAS COMPLETED AT LEAST 2 COLLEGE LEVEL ENGLISH COURSES HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO THE MATERIAL PROVIDED IN THE COURSE.

Flexible, for the self starter

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Graduate) on July 8, 2008

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Once you transferred your credits, and have your review, you’re on your own. That’s a good thing at times as you can still take CLEP, DANTES, in addition to Excelsior tests and on-line classes. I recommend calling often, and use the on-line My-EC to ask before you study or take a course to ensure it fits your path. I did find the frustration in the support staff on their ability to get back to students. But here’s the bottom line – It’s affordable, flexible, and accredited.

To the Board of Ed.: it's a scam

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Degree In Progress) on June 6, 2008

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I submitted XXX plus semester units I had accrued over the years. I have certificates and an A.A. from a local brick and mortar junior college. I spoke with someone different every time I called. They misplaced my transcripts right from the start and couldn't get the institutional names right.

They wouldn't give me any credit for my A.A. major until I enrolled, even though I was only trying to get a liberal arts degree. They required that I take 20% more lower and upper division classes for a simple B.S. than my own local state college requires.

Excelsior College - The REAL story!

BCI
Reviewer: Anonymous (Degree In Progress) on June 3, 2008

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I felt it was important to write this review based on another aspect of operations conducted by Excelsior College. The program content, books are not too bad. However, I must remind the reader of this review about the PRICE you will pay to get education from this institution. 
I enrolled with Excelsior early 2008 and I was floored by an admission fee of $895.00. I took deep breaths and decided to use a program to divide the payments equally among 6 payments. This was the tricky part. I thought that this "service" was to simply divide the payments up to make it easier to enroll. Think again. This "service" was indeed a contract binding you to pay the ENTIRE AMOUNT! I contacted Excelsior after receiving a letter from them. I had stopped auto draft payments because of a serious health issue and decided to withdraw from the college until things changed for the better. I also sent them a courtesy letter explaining such. The above mentioned letter was a reply to my courtesy letter to them. The letter stated that I needed to send in a letter from my doctor stating my diagnosis and length of time that this diagnosis would affect my ability to complete the Excelsior Program. This is a demand from Excelsior to supply them with MEDICAL RECORDS to be "considered" for release from a “contract” that I never knew I accepted! They have NO RIGHT to my medical records. Sorry, that is going over the top.  The letter stated simply that I owe them the rest of the $895.00 or I would be forwarded to collections! What?! Collections?! All I wanted to do was simply break the HUGE admission fee into 6 easy payments! They told me in the letter that I was entitled to a 2/3 refund of my fees IF I withdrew within six months and IF they had not completed a transcript evaluation. They got me. The transcript evaluation that "was made available to me online" that I never received in mail, email or internal website email. Since they completed the "transcript evaluation" supposedly within 3 weeks, I was now "locked in" to that $895.00 HUGE enrollment fee for their 30 minutes or less of work on that "transcript evaluation." 
After you complete the HUGE ADMISSION FEE that alone equals a full semesters cost at most colleges in the USA, you will then face test out fees. For Nursing, it was a mere $295.00 each test (multiplied by 7 = OVER TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS! $2065.00 to be exact) What about books? They require MANY books at a HUGE price. After you complete your exams (7 or more at $295.00 each) you will be done with your coursework and be eligible to graduate. Wait…now you have to complete the CLINICAL PORTION. This is a tiny fee of only ONE THOUSAND EIGHT-HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS. Can't afford to pay it all at once? Just sign another CONTRACT and have 6 easy payments ONLY $310+ dollars! The cost rakes in more than approximately $5,000 for the Excelsior staff! Your education HERE is going to cost you!

BS_IT

BS-IT
Reviewer: Anonymous (Degree In Progress) on March 25, 2008

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Excelsior College is a great institution to obtain online degree at your own pace, especially if you are working adult. However, my experience is little sour in regards to thier class schedule which changes at the first day of class. In addition to canceling the class, some of the classes have not been offered for past year and a half which I desperately need to take to graduate. It is this frustration and uncertainity that makes me pessimist about this institution.

Great!

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: coachbarbe (Graduate) on March 11, 2008

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After my review, I only had to take one class! It was only a one credit course so I was done early. I was in some trouble because if I didn't have a Bachelor's degree, I couldnt work. The advisors and other staff were very sympathetic to my needs and got all my evaluations done really quickly. They saved my family and my tail.

I was so impressed with the compassion shown by the school, I will try to donate a little money every year. This is definitely the place to go if you need results!

Not For Busy Adults, but Great Education

General Business
Reviewer: Anonymous (Degree In Progress) on February 5, 2008

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I was matriculated into Excelsior hoping to get a second BS in a different area than my first degree.  I chose BS-CIS.  They accepted my undergrad courses and examinations that I took.  So I had less than 10 courses to complete in order to get my degree.

Between then and now, I moved 3 times, changed jobs 3 times, and had 3 babies.  I completed courses as my schedule permits.  They added an Ethics requirement after my matriculation.  After I took the Ethics exam, I thought I had completed all the requirements, but I was wrong.

Two months before my Ethics sitting, Excelsior had changed the degree name to BS-IT.  The old BS-CIS degree is done after Nov 2007.  I did not know there were new requirements because the communications did not specify any.  On top of that, I kept checking my evaluation summary to see that the Ethics requirement was all that was needed to graduate.  Nothing indicated that I would need to do anything more than to complete this requirement.

Well, several weeks after my Ethics completion, I logged on to check my status, and there were 5 new requirements for the new degree.  I found out the new requirements after logging on.  They do not tell you unless you ask.

What I have a problem with Excelsior College is not their education.  I enjoyed and learned a lot from their online courses.  I have a problem with their changing requirements on a working adult.

Quote from their website:
"Excelsior College helps busy working adults earn the degrees they need with flexible distance education programs."

I missed the Ethics requirements by two months.  I was busy with a change of jobs, a move, and my third child.  I could have taken the Ethics exam earlier if I had known that I would be imposed with new requirements.  Like I said earlier, there was poor communication on their part.  
I contacted Excelsior about this and their attitude was "Too bad."  Why would I want to spend more money and time if I don't have to?

It seems to me that if you are busy, as I have been, you will not be able to graduate even if you meet all your old requirements.  I understand that things change, but to not be flexible about it, I don't think that's right.  In theory, you could be in a perpetual cycle where you almost finish all your old requirements, but then the college decides to add more requirements.  And then you take more of your busy schedule to finish them and then there are more requirements.  They are willing to accept your money, but not willing to be a little lenient.

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[Update]
 Several days after my last contact with Excelsior, my file was reviewed and was granted a degree.

I had only one exam requirement missing that I had scheduled in advance to complete.  I missed the degree expiration by two months because of some miscommunication.

Now I felt like they did right.  I can say that the college is great for busy adults and you can get a great education.  Whew.

Finished Up

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Graduate) on January 26, 2008

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My degree is a B.S. Liberal Arts with a major in History and a depth in Administrative/Management Studies.

During my younger years I was in the military and found myself changing schools often. Each school had its own requirements so some of the credits from previous programs would transfer and many would not transfer. Each program was different from the one you left.

At Excelsior I was able to use classes from all the schools that I attended as well as military credit to finish up a Bachelors degree-something I started in 1979.
Excelsior's program is outside the box. It's an innovative program and its flexiblilty allows others like me to complete their degrees. How is a service member supposed to complete his degree today between deployments and PCS moves? With Excelsior's program soldiers and sailors can work on their degrees while they are deployed and can remain in the same program regardless of where he or she is assigned.

Good program but I question the name changes.

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Degree In Progress) on January 26, 2008

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I graduated in 1977 when the program was called The University of the State of New York.  Then they changed the name to Regents External Degrees, then Regents College, then Excelsior College.  For me the name changes cause a lot of problems when using this degree to qualify for programs at other schools.  Having said that, I feel it is an outstsnding way to get a fully accredited degree without having to get all your credits from just one or two schools.  I have credits from 10 different regionally accredited institutions and had no problems applying that work to the B.S. program.
It does seem that they're getting pricey.  I cannot afford them now.

A Great Place

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: shadeed7 (Graduate) on January 12, 2008

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Great College and well worth the money.  Being in the military I have attended both on-line and on-campus programs.  Therefore, I had numerous credits that I had obtained. Excelsior showed me exactly what I need to graduate and the staff was very helpful.  After graduating I test to to see ho my degree would do.  I have been accepted to Liberty, OU, University of Denver, and nuermous others.  Excelsior College is well respected and worth the time time and money.

Very good

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: Anonymous (Graduate) on November 13, 2007

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After attending several different schools, I completed my degree at Excelsior.  
They did an excellent job in the review of my previous earned credit and outlining the courses needed to complete my degree.
The course were hard, but well worth the effort to complete.
The teachers I had were well credentialed and provided great support and guidance.
I am proud to have a degree from this program.

Great College

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: shadeed7 (Degree In Progress) on May 17, 2007

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Wow,

Excelsior is a great college and the staff is very helpful.  I enrolled in the college and within weeks I had a degree plan.  This degree plan along with the staff helpful suggestion I will be done with college this July.  As an undergraduate student with a 3.17 GPA they allowed me take a graduate course!  Great college with great staff.

Definitely the best school to transfer to

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: vasilkor (Degree In Progress) on March 27, 2007

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Definitely the best school to transfer your credits to. There is no residency requirement. So if you have all the credits you need to graduate up front, you can enroll and simply graduate.

Didn't miss a beat in life or work!

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: chhol (Graduate) on February 18, 2007

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I completed my BS degree through credits obtained via various sources: Online courses, IT industry certifications, Excelsior exams, etc. - I would advise it to anyone for degree completion!

Excelsior rocks!

Chris/Boston

Admissions Counseling

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: thomaskolter_keen (Degree In Progress) on August 9, 2006

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I started the BS in Liberal Arts program and had no problems in transfering my previous credits and CLEP exams I have taken filling 60 credits including the core requirements. And with the help of my counselor found a variety of schools to get credits for my two concentrations in business and vocational adult education. I have to point out customer service and counseling is very important in a distance learning program in my opinion. And of course I must coordinate this with my superiors at work and the company training department for the suitable applied courses. So for now I give the school high marks on the counseling and working with me to get the best program options to meet the degree requirements filled.

Of interest to the school program they accept credits from any accredited source and legitimate common ways of getting credit, credit bank credits for you for a fair fee and have reasonable costs overall.

The admissions process is very detailed, they offered me a great deal of help and gave me top notch counseling so far. Highly recommended.

Simply the Best!!

General Business
Reviewer: stonewell_si (Graduate) on August 8, 2006

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Excelsior represents the best opportunity for anyone to earn an accredited degree.  After many attempts to start and finish my degree with several colleges, Excelsior provided me the means to do so with their liberal transfer policy for credit by examinations. Within 10 months, I was able to complete over 100 credits via CLEP, DSST, ECE and TECEP exams.  The service and support I received from Excelsior was superb and an important factor in my success.  As well, the overall cost of my degree was very affordable.  Shortly after graduating, I was accepted by several graduate programs and am now currently enrolled in a masters program.

fabulous

Bachelor of Arts and Science in Libral Studies
Reviewer: carsonturner (Degree In Progress) on May 22, 2006

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Excelsior College is one of three major institutions that will allow you to transfer in 100% of your degree requirements.  While they do offer some coursework of their own, they will accept credit from other RA colleges, CLEP/DANTES/ECE exams, ACE evaluated military experience...  and, they're very generous by most transfer standards.

The Liberal Studies degrees offer the most flexibility in program design and therefor in acceptability of transfer credit.

If you have a collection of credit already from the acceptable sources, Excelsior should be among the colleges you consider.  It's fantastic for those people who didn't quite finish their younger college experience and for those who have attended a large number of colleges and need the credits earned placed on a single transcript toward a good, recognized, degree.

It's possible to wrap a bachelor's degree at Excelsior for right around $1500.  I've spent just about $2000 on mine.

Want More Information about Excelsior College?

Looking for more information about Excelsior College? Complete an information request form and their admissions office will contact you to answer any questions you may have.