Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private, non-profit university based in Albany, New York, that operates primarily as a distance-learning institution. It is widely recognized as a pioneer in adult education, specifically designed to serve the needs of working adults, military service members, and non-traditional students. The university operates with a mission to remove barriers to educational goals by providing flexible, affordable pathways to a degree. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate academic offerings through online platforms, emphasizing the assessment of prior learning and the transfer of credits from diverse sources.

The university was founded in 1971 by the New York State Board of Regents as the Regents External Degree Program (REDP). It was created to provide a way for working adults to earn a degree by demonstrating college-level knowledge acquired through work, military service, or independent study. In 1998, the institution became a private, independent, non-profit entity and was renamed Regents College. To avoid confusion with other institutions, it changed its name to Excelsior College in 2001. In 2022, the institution officially transitioned to Excelsior University, reflecting its expanded graduate-level offerings and its established status as a comprehensive provider of higher education in the digital age.

Excelsior University stands as a landmark institution in the field of distance education, defined by its commitment to flexibility and adult learner success. By focusing on the validation of prior knowledge and providing robust online support systems, the university enables a global student body to complete their degrees without sacrificing their professional or personal responsibilities. Its evolution from a state-sponsored pilot program to a nationally recognized private university underscores its success in democratizing higher education for those who require a non-traditional path to academic achievement.