Private online university serving non-traditional adult learners with flexible degree programs and credit flexibility.
Excelsior University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across six main areas: Business, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Public Service, and Technology. The university is known for its flexible approach to credit accumulation, accepting transfer credits from accredited institutions, non-collegiate training (corporate, governmental, military), ACE-evaluated credentials, and prior learning portfolios. Bachelor's programs in nursing, electrical engineering technology, information technology, and nuclear engineering technology hold specialized accreditations. Graduate offerings include MBA, DBA, and master's degrees in nursing, business, health sciences, and public administration.
Excelsior primarily serves non-traditional, adult working students through distance education. The university is a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium and actively supports military personnel, veterans, and their families. With 547 part-time faculty (fall 2025) and a fully online campus model, the institution emphasizes accessibility and flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their careers.
The university holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Nursing programs are accredited by ACEN and the School of Nursing has been designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing twice. Engineering technology programs are accredited by ABET's Technology Accreditation Commission, and business programs hold IACBE accreditation.
Excelsior has produced notable graduates including military leaders (multiple Master Chief Petty Officers, Sergeant Major of the Army), government officials (U.S. Congressman Derrick Van Orden, Montana Lieutenant Governor John Walsh), Pulitzer Prize winner Gilbert King, and leaders across education, law enforcement, and public service.