Excelsior College

I completed my course back in 2014. IT WAD NOT EASY. I failed CPNE the first time and passed the second barely though. I don't believe EC is out there to fail anybody however, their CPNE examiners were not nice people at all. Very biased. I thank God for the CAs though who wants students successful. The second tome I took it the examiner was so dittermined to fail three times she called the CA and every time she called she would be on the wrong. Its sad that such a good program would be rotten up by these examiners. One thing with EC though do EXACTLY AS THEY TELL YOU and you will be okay. It doesn't matter how much experience you have IT HAS TO BE THE EC WAY.

For those who don't know, EC is know as one of the "Big 3" (Thomas Edison State College & Charter Oak State College being the other two). These 3 regionally accredited (RA)institutions of higher learning have a unique structure. Unlike the vast majority of RA traditional and online colleges/universities, the residency requirements at these colleges are at the absolute minimum. What does that mean? How is that an advantage? In general, most colleges/universities require that you earn X number of credits from them in order to obtain a degree. I want to say that most require 30 or so credits to be earned by taking classes from that college/university. As far as I remember, the only course that needs to be taken from EC is a 1 credit hour online Information Lit course. The remaining 120-125 credit hours that are required for a particular degree can be satisfied externally. This is a huge advantage over other colleges/universities. Limits on credits transferred in are common at most colleges. With minimal exception (how long ago you took the course and if it applies to your particular degree plan), EC allows you to transfer in as many as you want. This is a fantastic benefit that saves time and money. Testing out options. Traditional institutions limit the number of courses that you are able to test out of using CLEP/DSST and other sources of college level credit. At EC you can basically earn an undergraduate degree completely by "testing out". This is not to be confused with credits for "life experience". I don't think that EC awards credit for life experience by itself. I think TESC has a program that allows you to "challenge" credits/courses based on life experience, they are called portfolios or something. If I remember correctly, you have to document why you feel that you should be awarded college credit for particular topics you have advanced personal knowledge in. Then a committee reviews and accepts or denies. I believe the process is more difficult and expensive than testing out. I was able to piece together an undergraduate degree, with a decent GPA, largely through "testing out": 15 traditional courses at various community colleges and four year colleges. 15 DSST Exams 5 CLEP Exams 5 EC exams The way the process works: you enroll in the college, have all your previous transcripts and CLEP/DSST scores sent to EC. You pay a first year fee/tuition, something around $2k or so if I remember correctly. Your advising team evaluates your previous credits and then tells you what courses/exams you will need to take to complete a degree. Then each year until you complete your degree you pay an annual fee/tuition of $500 or so. At this point you determine, with the help of your advisor, which CLEP/DSST/EC exams you want to take to satisfy your requirements. Your first avenue, in my opinion, is to take as may CLEP/DSST exams as possible. They are inexpensive, around $100 each for a 3 credit exam plus the test center fee of about $20. Finding a test center that is open at a time convenient for you is most likely your biggest challenge. Most community colleges offer these exams at their test center. You don't have to be enrolled at the school to use their test center or take exams. When you take exam you will be asked where you want the exams results to be sent, EC has a code number you provide before taking the exam. For further discussion on the individual exams go to: Degree forum.net Once you have used as many CLEP/DSST exams as possible, for cost reasons. Figure out which EC exams you can take to satisfy the remaining credits. EC exams are more expensive, $200-$300 I think, but cover more of the required upper level required credits. Your advisor will do a better job of explaining this than I just did. These exams are not easy, nor are they difficult. You will read on forums and bain4weeks.com of some individuals taking a ridiculous number of exams in a very short period of time. I remember reading about some guy taking 10 exams in one week, that's heavy! The most I took in a week was 4 DSST exams. My point is, for short money and in a reasonable amount of time you can complete an undergraduate degree. A real one. Without going to class. It takes a lot of work on your end but, it is completely possible. The only down side I see is name recognition, or lack there of. I highly doubt that you will see EC bumper stickers while driving down the street or people bragging that they attended EC. I do believe that they have a better reputation than univ of Phoenix or DeVry. I also think EC looks better on a resume than UOP. In the end, my EC undergraduate degree was enough for me to gain acceptance into some decent graduate programs. 5 Years later, I've completed an MBA and am about 1/2 way thru the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at U Mass. I'm currently in the process of applying to a few PHD programs for when i'm done with the MSF. I can't say enough about the doors Excelsior College (EC) has opened up for me. **I've read the negative reviews on Yelp and elsewhere, mostly related to the nursing program. In defense of EC, YOU have to do the work. YOU have to take the initiative and be proactive with everything (Enrollment, classes, advising, studying, staying on top of things), just like everything else in life. These types of nontraditional programs are designed for adults. If you are not willing to take responsibility for your own education then EC might not be for you. But I will argue that if you can't make EC work, I don't know where you will find a more flexible situation. EC is not a scam, EC is a legitimate "Regionally Accredited" (the highest accrediting body in the US) College. EC has been granting degrees since the 1970s. EC is not some fly by night college with a questionable past or profit motive. Take a look at the alumni list, read the stories of the 1,000s of graduates (including nursing students who have had success), read the newsletter, call and speak with an advisor. If someone can't see the opportunity EC presents, then they will have trouble finding a better solution to their education needs. Stop complaining, take responsibility, do the work, and join the vast vast majority of EC Alumni (myself included) who have EC to thank for everything they have helped us accomplish.

Why pay all that money, risk losing it all, sacrifice all that time working your but off for a program that is set up for you to fail anyway, just for an associates degree in nursing, which is pretty much being phased out of every type of health care facility there is except for desperate crappy nursing homes. Go to a real nursing program, which is a bachelor of science nursing program. It will take you less time to get a BSN from a traditional college than it will for you to get your associates from Excelsior. And you will have no problem getting a job afterwards. You can be dumb as a board and have no clinical skills and still get chosen over an associate degree nurse, because hospitals and other facilities now are strictly preferring bachelor's degree. Ask yourself this, is an associates degree nursing program going to offer you job placement afterward with a company who will give you funding towards an RN to BSN bridge program. Right now, those opportunities are second to none. The age of the associate degree nurse is over. I don't really like how it was done either. The change from ADN to BSN requirements could have been done with more support to bridge the RNs to BSNs and with a little more respect for these men and women who have spent the better part of their lives caring for our families and saving lives. Shame on you nursing administration. The nursing profession can be very cruel to nurses. Potential nursing students, please have nothing to do with associate degree programs. Take your general education courses at a local community college for cheaper and transfer them to your bachelors at a local college of 4 year institution. Just a word of advice.

Excelsior College ASN/RN is a great option for those that need a non traditional pathway to becoming a nurse. I was a medic and only had to re-take one written exam which was Maternity. The CPNE was challenging but the strategy is to memorize the requirements and perform by the book. In other words, don't bring your bad habits with you and DO IT BY THE BOOK! As far as its acceptability in the workforce, I had zero problems! I know some States have licensing issues so do your research! I was able to continue on with graduate school and obtain a license as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I realize they only accept LPN/LVN, Paramedics and some military medic qualifications but I disagree this program is only suited for them but it is what it is! You have to be a self starter! You have to be disciplined and you have to study and perform by the book! The program is not for everyone. I know a lot of nursing schools have competitive application processes as well as long waiting lists. If you can't get into one I suggest applying to a LPN program and then a traditional LPN to RN program. If you need the flexibility of a non traditional program then consider Excelsior. Just my two cents for what its worth! Good luck!

It took me 7 years to complete my degree. I was so forever grateful that they accepted the credits I had accumulated from all over the place, foreign and domestic, and they also accepted my ACE exams! It really made a difference for me. Out of the entire degree, I took a total of 4 classes with the school. They weren't particularly easy, but most definitely not super hard either. In my opinion, the degree of difficulty was about right. I was very pleased with them all. You do need to do a lot of reading and independent work, but if you have questions and email your instructors, they will typically respond quite promptly--especially if you are humble and nice in your tone. The academic counsellors I had were very good while you had one person assigned to you. However, that changed in my last 9 months at the school, and that's when I noticed that mistakes were being made: too many people meddling with your file without a unity in voice or consensus. Since I was so close to graduation, I decided to focus on completing my degree and getting ready for my next big stage in life. So I won't add any additional commentary that may no longer apply. I cannot speak for how things may be like now, but lend my voice to say that school served me well and it gave me an enormous opportunity at bettering myself that would not have otherwise been possible . Don't believe in all the negativity you hear out there. Just make the best of your learning and be proud of your accomplishments. If you fail, you only have yourself to blame because all these courses were written with the independent adult learner in mind. If you need 1:1 help, Excelsior has a free tutoring service. Use the tools you are given to succeed. Best of luck to you!

I graduated with an Associate degree from a local community college. I then transferred to Excelsior, and have been taking online classes for a while now. I have nothing but great experience with Excelsior so far. The transfer process was smooth. Tuition is reasonable. The entire staff from admission, advisors, registrar, and financial aid have been really helpful. The classes aren't easy but everything is laid out clearly for you. The only bummer in my part was I had to repeat the Object Oriented Programming class I took from my community college (in which I got an A) because the community college class I got wasn't up to par with Excelsior standard. But this is minor. I am glad to get a real education on programming. This is actually a sign the school is not a diploma mill. I don't usually write reviews but I was really surprised by the low rating (7/10 when I wrote this review) of Excelsior College on this website. After reading most of the reviews, I realized that most student's that left negative reviews are from the nursing program. Just food for thought. I'm not really sure what's going on the nursing program but if you're not interested in nursing then you can safely ignore the low rating of this college. All is good. You won't regret going to Excelsior College.

I was an LPN for 6 years prior to completing my ASN in 1999 when I was 8 months pregnant with my 5th son. I worked Critical care, in-home, vent units. I completed 54 credit hours in 10 months while stuck in bed. I passed my CPNE without a problem because it was just before 2000 when we were training to prepare for no technology. If you are self-motivated it is a great program.I am blessed in finishing my Masters Degree I use my place of employment for my projects for my classes. I have learned a ton. I am really glad this option is available to me. My kids see their single mom of 11 years work hard and succeed. My current Administrator takes my projects for school to heart and allows me changes. It's easy to be angry it's harder to see that we are responsible for lives.No one wants to fail someone but everyone is required to meet the standard of the corporations directives. I am very good at what I do because of how hard I am pushed seeking education on-line. Shawn

I am a 1992 ASN grad from Regents (Excelsior) college, and I had a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Biology and a successful laboratory career when I decided to go into nursing. I thought the easiest and quickest way would be to go to a BOCES LPN program (which was excellent) PT while working FT and then take the Regents exams (which I successfully completed within 6 months of my LPN.)I excelled academically in all areas, but since I had no clinical experience (most of my classmates were CNAs), I was never comfortable on rotation (one of my LPN instructors told me I would never pass clinical because I couldn't miter the corners when making the bed! this was before the days of fitted sheets.) The Regents/Excelsior program offered NO clinical training at all (I don't know how they do it now) before the final practical exam, and even though I was working as an LPN at the time (and had great training in the float pool at a Med. Ctr.), that final practical experience was so sickening, even the memory of it still is, after 25 years. I do think they play psychological games with you hoping to stress you out so that you fail and they make more money when you retake; one of the clinical 'instructors' actually said to me - what was I doing taking the test for RN when I had a Master's, I should be teaching a Bio course. (There was also a young practicing psychologist in the same group, she tormented her too.) Although I was familiar with the city (where I had gone to undergraduate school), instead of the exam site being a state of the art Medical Center (there was one just a few blocks away), the small hospital seemed very backward; for example, they didn't use electronic thermometers, and I hadn't seen a mercury thermometer in years! So what do you think happened when I took the practical? I told my elderly patient I was going to take her temperature, she opened her mouth, and when I removed the thermometer from the alcohol container at her bedside, the instructor quietly walked up behind me (scared the pants off me) and said "Step away from the bed, you have just failed the exam, that's a rectal thermometer." Though that may sound funny now, at the time I was so traumatized (it was the FIRST exam I had ever failed in my entire life) it took me 2 years to get up the courage (and the amount of money they wanted to repeat it was absurd even then) to take the exam again. I passed the second time, (and worked as a hospital RN 8 years before happily moving onto office-based clinical research), but even looking back at this experience after all this time, it still makes me cringe with regret. I wouldn't recommend this program to anyone. In fact, I wouldn't even recommend nursing as a career, it is all brawn and no brain, you get no respect at all, and most people only go into it now for the money.

Excelsior is NOT out to fail people - they DO want you to do well and to pass the program and the CPNE. I took my CPNE many years ago, but the format appears to be exactly the same as it was today. I was an LPN with only about a year of experience and didn't even have the benefit of the internet, Facebook, workshops, etc. All I had was a big blue spiral book with all the CPNE rules of the road . I MEMORIZED that huge book, cover to cover, and learned how to do things the way Excelsior wanted them done. Make sure you wash your hands if you even twitch, don't turn your back with the side rails down, verify ID of your patient even if you just asked 30 seconds ago. It may feel silly, but do it anyway. Passed the CPNE on my first try with no repeated PCS's or lab stations. I'm sorry, the lawsuit that several students have filed stating that they were unprepared and didn't realize what the clinical exam involved is pretty iffy. I knew what the exam involved and how to get through it and all my materials and information came via snail mail - no 'net!!

I'm so tired of reading all of the complaints from students who have failed Excelsior College's CPNE requirement. Many of you start out by telling us how good of a nurse you are, as well as how many certifications you have behind your name. You talk about how you graduated your LPN/LVN programs with honors and how your fellow students and staff adored you. You go into elaborate detail about you LVN/LPN accomplishments on the job. The list goes on. Then you talk about how horrible and unfair you experiences were while taking the dreaded CPNE. The truth to the matter is that it doesn't matter how good of a nurse you are, or what you've accomplished, or what your patients say about you, or how your teachers and coworkers have adored you throughout the years. The Excelsior College CPNE manual makes it very clear in the beginning of its 500 page of bliss that the CPNE is not designed to measure how good of a nurse you are, instead it is designed to test your ability to read and follow instructions. It's that simple. The test is so simple that our human brains make it complicated and stressful because we simply can't believe the test can really be so simple. Do you know the most common reasons I've found that my fellow students have failed the CPNE for? There's two of them actually: failing to wash hands and/or forgetting to I.D. a patient. Some of my fellow students have failed the CPNE three times over the same mistakes. Three times! I think this clearly demonstrates that the CPNE, again, is not designed to make you a really good nurse. Really good nurses take the CPNE and fail it all the time! What the CPNE does incredibly well is take every student back to the basics of nursing. The very basics if you know what I mean. They do this because they want to graduate nurses who will be consistently safety minded every day on the job. You have to approach the CPNE like you're going to kindergarten. In kindergarten we do the most basic of tasks, and really it's all about learning foundational things as well as following directions. Now, with that said, the reason so many brilliant and deserving LPNs/LVNs and paramedics fail the CPNE is because they let their nerves get the best of them. And, let's be honest, some of them don't read the manual or bother to take a workshop, or bother to practice, practice, practice running through the labs and care plans like they really should. Doesn't matter if you're a nurse who should be performing brain surgery, if you don't practice you won't pass. Simple as that. I took the CPNE and passed all labs and all PCS's the first time. I walked out of the hospital on Sunday morning at 9:30am with a "pass" certificate in my hand. It was one of the greatest days of my life. I was extremely ill, had lost a bunch of weight and felt as though I might need to admit myself into the hospital when I got home for rehabilitation. Yes, the CPNE, as easy as it was in theory, was also one of the worst experiences of my life and I will never do it again. Is it doable? YES. The instructors were very nice and they wanted the students to pass. But they also have to abide by the rules. The key to passing the CPNE is this: take a workshop, read the manual at least once through then go back and read the meat and potatoes (I think it was section 4) over and over again, practice your labs over and over again, practice writing care plans (do 30-40 care plans at LEAST before you go to CPNE weekend and send at least 3 of those care plans to EC for feedback). And lastly, practice PCS's with stuffed animals or people and run through how you're going to approach each assessment/patient interaction so when problems arise during your weekend, you will be better prepared mentally to handle it. That's it. If you do these things, making it a lifestyle before you test, the chances of you failing are slim. And one last piece of advice: learn to "read" your CE. They will give you clues during your PCS's to help you succeed. Oh yeah, one more piece of advice. Listen very carefully: don't put up an attitude. You minus well go home early. I saw students do this, acting like they deserved to pass before they finished the weekend, arguing with their CE's about why they failed a PCS or why they were dinged on something. Guess what? They didn't pass the weekend. So act professional, keep your mouth shut, keep the patient safe, read your CE and follow the rules. Remember, the CPNE is not about how good you are- they really don't care about that- it's about how competent you are in following directions, and keeping the patient safe. And no, EC didn't pay me to write this review. I'm writing this because EC deserves to get a positive review. Great program!

I understand the concept of Excelsior. Licensed practical nurses who already have several years working experience as a nurse would not necessarily need to go to a community college and start learning how to be a nurse from scratch all over again. Those with no prior nursing experience who are not already licensed nurses would not be appropriate for Excelsior. Excelsior builds on previous knowledge and upgrades the LPN skills to that of an RN. Its an extremely difficult program from start to finish, even the online portion. Definitely not something I would do again. But it is a quicker option for LPNs that are going to stay in their practice setting and advance to an RN. I worked at a local general hospital as an LPN for a few years through a temp agency before completing Excelsior LPN to RN. Its a good program if you do it their way and you can pass the CPNE. If you do decide to do it, please don't get rapped up in outside publishing companies. Their materials are really substandard and their is no comparison to Excelsior books and online resources. Trust me. working out here in the real world, and even to pass the NCLEX-RN, you will need every bit of that theoretical information. Brunner & Suddarth's is a must along with the other books. When in doubt, call Excelsior and speak to them directly. They may not tell you what you want to hear, but they will tell you right. As far as CPNE workshops, Sherri Taylors is good and so is Excelsior's. I did them both. Youtube has a lot of info and practice for CPNE too. Its not something I would do again. There are licensing restrictions by some states and California state board will no longer license nor endorsee Excelsior RN grads. It also may be harder to find a job as an Excelsior RN. The job market is very competitive and the traditional students will have first preference sometimes. But if you choose to do it, get all you can out of it. Its ultimately your decision. So do you boo. ;)

Excelsior College should only admit LPNs to its program, as an LPN is already a nurse and usually has several years of clinical nursing experience and are prepared to easily transition into med-surg. Paramedics should also be allowed as they are already experienced in some aspects of critical care. Excelsior recommended nursing textbooks and online conferences should be a requirement for its students. Publishing companies such as Rue, College Network and such of the like really disservice students as they lose the depth of that strong nursing theory base. Don't waste your time with that nonsense. Also, the excelsior books have case studies in them and links to online case studies and interactive practice and learn exercises, skills videos, NCLEX-RN test bank and the list goes on. Brunner & Suddarth's Medical Surgical Nursing cannot be matched. Smith Duel and Martin Basic to Advance Nursing Skills and Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills also a must have. Look at those Excelsior Study Guides for each exam and get those books and read them, even if you have to go to the library to get them. Absorb all you can from the online conferences or courses. There's a lot of hidden treasures in that stuff. If you do this, you will pass every Excelsior exam and the NCLEX-RN on the first try. As far as the CPNE, you MUST open Excelsior College study guide, practice and study it. Become it. Sherri Taylor has a wonderful CPNE workshop. Look her up on Youtube.

I must say that for well motivated person, Excelsior is a nice school. I did my associate nursing between October 2007 and August 2008, after being frustrated in a so called nursing class. Bright student who are failed for their accent and skin color have found Excelsior a blessing. I was academically smart though, so if you are struggling then their program in nursing requires real critical thinking, okey. I am doing my MSN with them, and so far I am happy!

I am a 2000 ASN graduate of the College and have been working as an RN since that time-previously I was an LPN for 12 years-honestly, the CPNE was while challenging not all that hard for a well prepared student/LPN to pass-I studied the guide and it memorized and worked with other RN's including shadowing one at a local hospital for a day and working with RN's to write care plans. I felt the instructors were fair and were eager to help and they wanted you to pass. I was complimented on my care plans and using care plans many students do not use-I was proactive, I asked my charge nurses questions on my patients and I used reference materials. I also spoke up to my instructors when I was unable to perform a certain part of an assessment and gave them the reason why and they were supportive. There was even a question on my last patient and they conferred and passed me. I passed the first time-only one other in my group passed and I can tell you why the others failed-never looked at their CPNE book, did not prepare, etc. I am now working as an assessment nurse at a local nursing home submitting clinical assessments for reinbursment to the state-I have just again signed up to pursue my BSN degree and while overwhelmed at first I know I can do this-I have support and the BSN team has been a great support-so people get over it! There is a reason you did not pass the CPNE-maybe if you studied more-this is not something that can be handed to you-you must study and prepare-this program works great for those already working in the field and can apply every day experiences but again my must work and study to gain what you want.

I graduated from EC in 2006. I should have graduated in 2004. However, I failed the CPNE. Then had to wait 18 months to take it again. All while doing nothing other than waiting. I took all of the classes at EC using my LPN textbooks. I never bought one of their books. I printed out the outline for the classes and created a study guide using it. I also took classes at a local college for general ed classes. Everything went wonderful, until I took the CPNE. it was a complete nightmare. I failed a patient because the instructor said I didn't wash my hands when I entered the room. ( I most certainly did)... and I failed the second one because the instructor said I gave a medication without checking the patients name band (bullshit). It was a total money scam. Did i finally pass?? yess... did I pass my boards... yes.... I also had been an LPN for 5 years before that, graduated LPN schooling with honors, worked in a busy ER as an LPN, and then became a flight nurse after getting my RN. I am not a dumb nurse. I am actually certified with so much alphabet soup behind my name (RN, PHRN, CFRN, and certified in ACLS, PALS, NRP, CPR, ITLS, NIHSS). Point being, the test did not measure any nursing knowledge... only if you could be trained like a monkey in a tree. Each time you take the test you pay more money... and have to wait to reschedule... it was TERRIBLE. I was done with everything as far as nursing classes and gen eds in 10 months... then it was another 18 months before i graduated due to the CPNE. COMPLETE RIP OFF AND NIGHTMARE.... I do not recommend this place to anyone. I am going elsewhere to obtain my BSN.. I could only imagine what kind of ridiculousness they have in store for those who attempt to continue with EC for the BSN program.

I made it through the program in less than a year. There is no financial aid. I paid for it all on my own. Then came the CPNE. One of six nurses on my cohort passed the CPNE. That's 17%. I am already a working LVN who graduated from a traditional LVN program as Valedictorian with a 4.0. I have completed all of my BSN prerequisites with a 3.9 GPA. At work, I float to ICU, ER, Tele, Med-Surge and other departments. I have years of experience and am a highly-awarded nurse who helps train other nurses. The Excelsior CPNE is one of the worst experiences of my life. The instructors are NOT helpful. I did not receive a SINGLE report from ANY nurse who worked at the hospital. I did NOT see a SINGLE patient. The Excelsior leader on site criticized all of my care plans, including one that used the exact criteria of the patient's nurse. After I made an argument to accept my third care plan, the leader had the nurse educator add a line to her critique to disqualify that argument as well. Upon walking me out, the "leader" gave me a letter and said "when you come back to try again" ... It's a money-making scam. Sure, a handful of people pass, but not many. I'm a pretty smart guy. The CPNE has nothing to do with knowledge or talent. It's about memorizing their 500-page manual and doing whatever the leader decides needs to be done that day. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do NOT spend your time and money on Excelsior. It is NOT worth the trouble or tension. It is a terrible experience. Do yourself a favor and find something else. Excelsior is a money pit and the CPNE managers are cold, cruel and not helpful.

I passed the CPNE on the second try. The real secret is that you must basically memorize the study guide. Which is a 500 page document. If you do that then you will not fail. Everything you need to do or not do is in that book.I would also suggest obtaining outside nursing materials. Another thing I did it the second time was I got friends to play the role of a patient so I was comfortable in that atmosphere. I did the role-playing multiple times with other people. It really helped a lot. Lastly, I would say you must be very focused, serious,humble and professional when interacting with the nurse examiners. Do not debate them on any issue whatsoever. But you literally must memorize the study guide. I read it for six months and made extensive notes, flashcards, and did a lot of research. The last key I would sayis to become an expert at care plans the way that they want you to do them. Do as many as you can and submit them all. Do the phone coaching appointments. All of them! Have a list of questions and scenarios ready when they call you. Best of luck.! It can be done. It is definitely not easy.

We have spent a lot of money at Excelsior. Took the clinicals 3 times=$7500. Materials that were not even helpful throughout the class portion$$$$$$$ The class portion was easy. Register for a test and be done.$$$$$$ more money for each test!!! Failed the first few times of clinicals due to nervousness or silly mistakes. It has nothing to do with the materials they give you to study, that was the easy part, it was nerves and everyday mistakes people make. They are quick to judge and not let you think through things. I am finally done and now I have another$$$$700$$$ graduation fee. For what?? We started with them so we will finish with them was our motto the whole time. You get stuck! It has been a 4 year process, because if you fail the clinicals it takes a year to get in. We even moved our life because this program wasn't offered in CA and we got such good word about. I highly recommend no one falls into this scam. It is a big waste of money!!!!!! Just go to a local city college.

You must have previous healthcare experience as an LPN, US army corpsmen or paramedic to get accepted in the associate degree nursing program at Excelsior. To enroll in a local community college or university other than Excelsior, you need No previous healthcare experience. That's right, zero (0). This is why Excelsior's clinical is a competency based hands on exam. Excelsior builds on prior learning while instilling new learning and validates that via competency assessments by master's and PhD prepared nurses. Its just as safe, if not more, to have an LPN/Medic - RN grad with years of real world experience to take care of patients then it is for a new grad of a local college with no previous healthcare experience to care for patients. If a patient starts to crash, I don't know about you, but my money's on the nurse with the real world experience.

I'm an Excelsior ASN grad. When I was an ASN student, I had already been working as an LPN in an acute care hospital, nursing homes, clinics and homecare for many years. Being able to insert a Foley, an IV, do EKGs, empty bed pans and change wound dressings is already in the scope of an LPN. That's the easy part. I did a whole year of intense clinical training at my local general hospital for my LPN program. Just merely learning hands on clinical skills is not the only aspect of being an RN. You must have a strong theory base also. You must learn to assess, plan, and implement healthcare (To some degree LPNs must do this too). You must be able to evaluate, report, and intervene when patients have acute changes. That's what makes an RN, being able to assess. Excelsior sharpens those skills to the max. Some of my fellow nurses from traditional programs are not able to do this. They have little to no clinical decision making or assessment skills, and also highly lack hands on skills. They can't insert Foleys, IVs, do EKGs, or take blood pressures, have no concept of sterile and these are basic RN skills. I know those nurses would NOT have a chance of passing the CPNE. They wouldn't even make it through the first lab. I certainly wasn't spoon fed at my clinical exam. I had to know and perform like an RN. On RN orientation at the hospital, It was only a few weeks. Some of the other girls from traditional schools were on orientation for three months and still couldn't catch on. When an acute change or a code would happen, they would stand there and cry or freeze. Who do you think they would run to for help? When they couldn't do a skill, who do you think they would ask? Me, the Excelsior nurse. Of course they would come in cocky with their ego in the clouds, computer savvy, just all that and a bag of chips until they had to function in a real nurse situation. Clinical competence should be as judged on an individual nurse bases, not the school they graduated from. I guess my nursing degree and experience is good for something. There are competent and less competent nurses from every school, that's for sure. We are all at different stages of learning and maturity and it takes all of us working together as a team to get the job done. I also believe in hospitals having residency and orientation programs for nurses.

Wow. Never before have I heard so many bad reviews about one school. Yes I am an Excelsior ASN program survivor. Though I passed the CPNE on my first try and completed the program myself, I do not recommend it to others either. I also don't recommend getting an ASN from any school now as the trend is toward BSN. When I was much younger I thought four years was too long to go to school. Its amazing how fast 20 years goes by. It took me 3 and 1/2 years to complete my associate degree nursing at Excelsior. I wish now that I would have gone to a traditional bachelor's degree program and not the Excelsior associate degree nightmare, although it helped make me hell of an excellent nurse I must say. But that comes with its own share of problems too. Believe me. Overall you want a degree that's going to open more doors for you career wise so that you won't end up stuck in a work environment you don't want to be in. With a BSN, you can go anywhere and easily advance. Just go through and do those four years. It would be so worth it.

It was over 20 years since I was involved in furthering my education. My current employment allowed for increased promotional opportunities with an accredited degree. After many hours of searching it was Excelsior College that appeared to provide the best opportunity. Many of the courses were challenging and required essays for the mid-term and final exams. With an average grasp of the English language, Grammarly.com, and effective time management skills, the degree was easily worked into my schedule of family and a full time job. The courses were interesting, thought provoking, and enjoyable. My age and life experiences were certainly beneficial and allowed for a much easier writing experience. After taking one 8 week course at a time, 60% paid for by the GI Bill, I received my BS in Liberal Arts in 2.5 years. It also allowed me to be accepted into an on-line Masters Degree program at Arizona State University. I highly recommend Excelsior College, particularly for veterans and law enforcement officers. Excelsior gives the maximum credit for both aforementioned experience than any other school I researched. At the age of 51 I can proudly claim that I am a college graduate, soon to be working on a Masters.

After years of taking courses at a number of schools but never finishing any degree I found out about Excelsior. It was then called University of the State of New York. I was able to combine my traditional course work with CLEP, DANTES and other testing opportunities to complete an Associates Degree and then a Bachelors Degree. I received several managerial promotions with the airline I worked for that would have never have happened without a degree. Additionally, for those saying the degree is worthless and not accepted by many traditional grauate schools. I did not experience that and was accepted at two traditional programs at excellent schools, one private an one state. My experience has been very good and for adults completing a degree program it is excellent.

I completed both my AAS and BS degrees here at Excelsior. It was a wonderful experience. I literally was promoted 2 months after receiving my BS degree. I enjoyed it so much that im not stopping. I plan on enrolling in the MS in management degree soon. I had alot of credits from earlier college. Between my work training and experience and my past liberal Arts credits I was able to finish an AAS in nuclear technologies as well as my bachelors in communications. The support along the way was top notch and the education was as well. The online programs are perfectly designed with plenty of student discussion interaction and amount of tests, papers, and projects. The 8 week courses are great just enough work to keep you engaged every week but not to much that you feel overwhelmed. You work hard at this school but they know that the students are balancing careers and family as well. I cant say enough about my online experience here. I recommend attending graduation if You can. It is quite an event.

I was fortunate to complete my ADN, BSN, and my MSN with Excelsior. Anyone that believes its 'easy' or you don't have to do major studying should not apply. I worked very hard and I found success at Excelsior. You can sue all you want but clinical evaluation is ALWAYS subjective based on objectives. I am now an Associate Professor teaching nursing. Students look for the easy way-there is NO easy way to be a nurse. You can do it but you have to make it happen.

I graduated from Excelsior College with my A.D.N. in 2012. When I had first contacted the school about their program, the advisor really sold me with the point that an Paramedic had completed their nursing course in 45 days. That was what reeled me in, as I wanted to finish quickly and go at my own pace. Once I enrolled, I completed the rest of the nursing courses in 47 days which was a huge accomplishment for me. However, to my disappointment, I received no recognition from anyone at the college, not even a 'good job' or encouragement. I was met with a rude lady on the phone who was very rude to me when I had asked her about my time of completion and subsequent inquiry over the CPNE and how soon I could apply. She basically shot me down, and reprimanded me for wanting to take the CPNE without studying for at least 6 months to a year for it. She was not nice and again, very rude to me. I did not need her or anyone else's approval or recognition for what I accomplished but it would have been nice. I worked my butt off to try and beat that paramedics record and since they used that as a selling point for me, which WAS the deciding factor on whether or not I was going to use their program, I was disappointed. I do not think that the CPNE is fair...nor is there much consistency between test sites and all the different CE and CA's. I made my recommendations after I passed and left it at that. I got my diploma and passed boards with flying colors. I'm not in debt as you pay as you go. I ignore all Alumni emails from them, am happy that they have a program that is conducive to family life and not all of the people at the school were rude and ugly. The instructors in the nursing program were very supportive, but their is a huge lack of consistency, too much room for nurses to make their own "judgement" against students work , and it is more difficult than a traditional school to get through. It can be done though, and for that matter, I would recommend the program, but only go through excelsior. NOT COLLEGE NETWORK, RUE, OR CHANCELLORS. They just want you to pay them extra money, and the school doesn't indorse any of these companies.

Most people that have bad things to say about this program failed. The program is not easy and does require you to study and know what you are doing with little to no teaching. Currently they do offer classes that you can take toward your ADN program instead of simple taking the exam. I took the exams and attended the workshop before my clinical weekend. Taking the tests were cheap, the workshop and the CPNE (clnical) is what added up. I was able to pass the clinical on my first try. I saw alot of people fail during that weekend, but they were all aware why they failed before they left the site. The clinical is not easy, and if your someone who is not confident in your skills, then this is not for you. They give you a study guide with very specific step by step instructions, if you know what they want you will pass. I feel like after completed the program that I truly accomplished something, if everyone went in and passed, the program would definently get a bad reputation for the people it turned out. Every nursing school have students that dont pass, this program is no exception. The key to the CPNE is the workshop and other materials that they give you. I knew financially I had only one opportunity to pass this clinical. So thats what I did. Motivation and self discipline is key!

I graduated from Excelsior on 7/18/2014 with a BS in liberal arts with focus in admin/management studies and philosophy. I took my first college course at Hawaii Pacific College (now university) in 1986 when I was a young PFC in the Army. Since that time, I attended three other traditional brick and mortar colleges, amassed many credits and changed majors numerous times. After taking a 15 year break from college, I applied for enrollment at excelsior to finally finish my bachelor's degree. Excelsior allowed me to combine all my credits from colleges,and my joint services transcript. I only needed two classes to graduate but I took four to reduce my admin costs. Ecselsior makes attending college virtually free for active duty military members. All of the people with whom I interacted were professional and courteous. My advisor replied to all of my messages quickly and efficiently. The instructors I had required quality work and were fair when grading assignments. I'm proud of my EC degree in liberal arts and have nothing but positive things to day about this institution and the people who work for it. My only complaint is that I liked their old slogan "Start to Finish" Bette than their new one "Ever Upward".

I believe the school is becoming more of a for-profit school, some of the administrative personal at the school lack respect and seem more concerned with finances. Overall the education is good, however there has been a decrease in overall service as of late.

I think in some ways, Excelsior College is an excellent nursing school. Only problem is it does not hold much weight in the job world. Most employers don't want to give jobs to a nurse with an online degree. So, in that respect, a degree from a traditional program does hold more weight. The online nursing degree seems to be more for an LPN who's already working in the setting that they want to stay in and advance their position to an RN. In nursing, employers ask about "clinical experience" as a priority. Regardless of the quality of that clinical experience, its all about hours and/or semesters of clinical time for a lot of these companies. This frustrates me because I sure didn't get my degree because someone liked me. I was not in any clicks. I had to work for mines too, and I'm sure that most students from a traditional nursing program would not be able to pass the CPNE. Believe it or not, there are some traditional program grads that have very little to no clinical decision making skills. Passing the CPNE requires you to have the clinical skills of a first day orientation RN. But, just the same, I think Excelsior College should offer a locol 360 hour clinical preceptor rotation to all of its ASN/ADN graduates. I also think the quality of clinicals at some traditional schools could use some improvement. But overall, no matter what school you go to, you're only going to get out of it what you put into it.

Excelsior College is a great option for working adults. I was a LPN with a Bachelor's degree in another field when I first started to consider Excelsior's LPN-RN bridge program. I was initially reluctant to attend Excelsior because it wasn't as sexy as some of the other schools I considered attending. In the end, I chose practicality over name brand. I received a great education at Excelsior because I put in the effort. I took personal responsibility and accomplished my goal. Excelsior is competency based education...this is great for those who prefer to work at their own pace. I will begin my MSN through Excelsior in a few months.

I graduated from Excelsior College Associate Science Nursing program in 2010. I always wondered if I could have received a much better education from a traditional nursing school and I probably always will question myself about that. But on the other hand, I work with many nurses that came from traditional nursing schools who don't know their ass from a hole in the ground and I wonder how they ever passed NCLEX. Really, they don't even have basic nursing judgement, no skills; just blows my mind. Whats even more frightening is some of them have been nurses for years. I'm really not trying to be mean by saying this, I'm just telling you what I've seen and its scary. But then there are some nurses from traditional nursing schools who's knowledge and skills are much higher than mines. The reason I don't recommend Excelsior College ASN program to people is the cost and unpredictability of outcome. You pay almost $1000 enrollment fee, almost $500 annual fee, $390 for each multiple choice exams. Now they have added on focused clinical competency assessment exams, which is more expense. Finally the CPNE for about $1800 in addition to travel and lodging expenses which is at least another $500. All the money spent prior to the CPNE is for not if you don't pass it. There are many who failed the CPNE three times and now they are out of thousands of dollars and still have no degree. All they do have now is wasted time, years, and money. I would definitely do it differently now. There are piss poor nurses from every school I'm sure, traditional and non-traditional alike. But as far as time and money, I recommend going the traditional route. Also, more employment opportunities will be available with a traditional degree, preferably a bachelor's degree. Most hospitals are moving toward only hiring bachelor's degree prepared nurses. And if you plan on going into management in any other type of facility, you will definitely need at best a bachelor's. The best way is to go straight through a traditional bachelor's degree program.

I graduated from Excelsior College Associate Science Nursing program in 2010. I always wondered if I could have received a much better education from a traditional nursing school and I probably always will question myself about that. But on the other hand, I work with many nurses that came from traditional nursing schools who don't know their ass from a hole in the ground and I wonder how they ever passed NCLEX. Really, they don't even have basic nursing judgement, no skills; just blows my mind. Whats even more frightening is some of them have been nurses for years. I'm really not trying to be mean by saying this, I'm just telling you what I've seen and its scary. But then there are some nurses from traditional nursing schools who's knowledge and skills are much higher than mines. The reason I don't recommend Excelsior College ASN program to people is the cost and unpredictability of outcome. You pay almost $1000 enrollment fee, almost $500 annual fee, $390 for each multiple choice exams. Now they have added on focused clinical competency assessment exams, which is more expense. Finally the CPNE for about $1800 in addition to travel and lodging expenses which is at least another $500. All the money spent prior to the CPNE is for not if you don't pass it. There are many who failed the CPNE three times and now they are out of thousands of dollars and still have no degree. All they do have now is wasted time, years, and money. I would definitely do it differently now. There are piss poor nurses from every school I'm sure, traditional and non-traditional alike. But as far as time and money, I recommend going the traditional route. Also, more employment opportunities will be available with a traditional degree, preferably a bachelor's degree. Most hospitals are moving toward only hiring bachelor's degree prepared nurses. And if you plan on going into management in any other type of facility, you will definitely need at best a bachelor's. The best way is to go straight through a traditional bachelor's degree program.

I had my doubts about this school from day one. I was very successful in a traditional clinical program and had to drop due to unforeseen illness. I wanted to believe that this was a real program with real graduates. I did not realize that this whole program was a scam until the first day of the "clinical". I made all A's and two B's on the tests. I liked the fact that I felt like I learned a lot from the exams. They have you read real textbooks to make it look legit and take easy tests that really emphasize useful information. Then comes the "clinical exam" where the sleight of hand trick works. This is where the hook and bait really is. I literally memorized this study guide almost word for word. I practiced the "labs" which involve real nursing skills such as giving an IV push, administering and IV piggyback. They charge big money for the "skills kit" which is hospital equipment marked up about 1000% price. They even have slick marketing fashion models on the front of the "workbook" they sell you at a superinflated price. This is not a college. You have to keep paying them a $500 to have the opportunity to be repeatedly scammed out of $3000. They also insist that you stay in the "recommended hotel" which is $180 per night that has an "Excelsior discount" but for the nights you "test" the discount is unavailable. The "instructors" you talk to on the phone even market this hotel because you don't have to walk in the cold. BIG RED FLAG FOR SCAM Now folks why would you have to pay money to be scammed out of more money. Gosh, you can just give it to a person in need, pay someone's medical bills, put it on a down payment on a house. After you "fail" the "clinical" would you really want to pay these money vacuum cleaners another 2000 plus dollars. Real nursing programs have competitive admissions, teach clinical skills as well as book knowledge. This is not real.

This is a scam. A very expensive one. The CPNE has a 68% pass rate on the first try, but they still collect the $2,300 (rounded) with each attempt, travel and other accommodations not included. They give you a CD-ROM Study Guide to study from. They expect you to attend the several conferences and workshops, each about $300, and in faraway cities that require flying. In addition to this, it is $400 a year to even be enrolled with the college. The exams are $390, but go up every year. You study to pass the exams, but you get less than half of the education you would get out of a standard, preferred nursing school, and you pay 80% more money. Most standard nursing schools have a transitional LPN-ADN program that is only 2-3 semesters long and costs a lot less than Excelsior College. Plus, you also get to attend graduation. You have to fly to Albany, NY to attend graduation with Excelsior, as well as pay an additional fee, around $450, to even receive your degree. As hard as you work and as much as you sacrafice in nursing school, you deserve a proper graduation. You've earned it. If you are serious about getting your degree, consider how much money you are willing to spend. If you fail the CPNE and cannot afford to retake it, you will be without a degree and stuck with their loans for years. It's not worth it. You will learn so much more and get so much more clinical experience at a traditional nursing school. One more thing to think about: A lot of state boards and hospitals are not accepting Excelsior graduates. They require additional clinical time or more work experience than with traditional school graduates. Look it up. Try Maryland, Georgia, North Dakota, California, Virginia, Kentucky, Washington, Colorado, and Vermont state board websites. They all have additional requirements in order to receive a license in these states, and I'll bet they cost money.

DON'T WAISTE YOUR MONEY. They won't do anything to help you. Their system bogged down when I was trying to take one of their "mandadory" classes that had nothing to do with my degree. I couldn't take the test because of their system, and their response was "too bad, pay for the course again and maybe you can finish it this time". They don't care about you - just how deep your pockets are and how much they can squeeze out of you. The counselors were non existent. There are much better schools out there to choose from. DON'T USE EXCELSIOR

I have attended several schools over the years. Excelsior has always been there for me. I am retired military(submarines). I attended school while being stationed over in Italy. I finished up my AAS degree and now continuing on to my other degrees. Excelsior is flexible and will work with you to try an obtain a flexible type degree status. I'm impressed. I was scared about taking an online course because I had always been traditional. Excelsior makes it easy.

I recently graduated from the excelsior program after being an LPN for 11 years. It was not easy, and I would have been very disappointed if it was. The CPNE is very stressful, and it is not for the timid. After reading post that the program is a scam, I can assure you its not. I passed the CPNE on my first attempt, if I had failed I'm sure I would be upset. This program is not cheap, so paying out of your pocket can be a burden but paying back student loans when you graduate is to. The study guide they give you tells you exactly what to do. If you do it their way you have nothing to worry about. The key is to be prepared their way. I did actually learn alot while preparing for the CPNE and I am looking forward to the potential my upgraded license will bring me.

I completed by Bachelor's in Mathematics in 1986 and, in spite of the lack of acceptance in the practitioner's (and Naval) community at the time I strongly argue that, if a student is willing to practice discipline and work hard the degree will pay positive returns. Excelsior (then Regent's College) was very selective about the quality of courses accepted on transfer (highlighting courses in economics, mathematics, physics, and business - as Regent's thoroughly investigate my transcripts) and, at the time, since being an enlisted sailor under the rank of E-7 was considered to be a second class citizen, I received the highest degree of respect for my accomplishments. In competition with engineering, mathematics, and economics graduates from other institutions I find my background in Mathematics has served me quite well throughout my career. The only drawback about Excelsior is the inability to experience the "campus life" (greeks, football games, etc): I don't consider this an issue as, since then, I have greatly focus on my career. Overall, Excelsior is not for everyone: If a student has the drive, is willing to practice the discipline to accomplish the goal, and accept the fact that learning is a discipline, then the Excelsior experience will provide positive dividends. If the student is not a self-starter, not disciplined, and will not focus on achieve the educational goal, then go elsewhere.

Ok, I completed my Associates of Applied Science with Excelsior, and am proceeding with my MSN in Edu with them. This is a fully accredited nursing program, the nursing department, in fact has recived Excellence in Nursing Distinctions twice recently. The support you get and the tools available to succeed in the program are plentiful. Yes, the final clinical exam is No joke. But should it be? No. It should not. If this were, in fact a "Degree or Diploma Mill" these people wouldn't be complaining about them now would they? No. They would be happy being mediocre with a less that meaningful degree. You Should have to work hard to be a nurse. I passed the dreaded CPNE without even taking the additional classes offered, of which there are many. They give you the blueprint to pass, the rest is up to you. After completing my courses, I was able to identify care plan needs and assessment required for care faster and more accurately than nurses who went the "traditional" (old school) route. This program is Amazing, if you can put in the effort.

I took all of the ADN written exams without failing one. I failed the CPNE two weekends ago in Madison, WI. If you want to pass the CPNE the first time, you must study the Excelsior way or you're sure to fail as I did. I will be retaking the test as I realize my biggest mistake was in preparation. It's not about anything but doing everything the excelsior way.

I literally Just received my AASN completion notice and was looking at RN to MSN programs when I saw these reviews. While I am saddened by people reviewing it poorly, I understand. Some people will always look to blame someone else for their shortcomings, in this case the school. Its true, this program may not Be for everyone. Passing the CPNE is no small feat, it is Thee test of your clinical Competency at the level of a Graduate nurse, not a student, your practicing and learning comes on your own- which isnt even entirely true. Tbey offer ma y additio al courses and workshops to aid in your success. They give you the blueprint to pass, they are clear when they say, the requirements outlinef are the minimum standard accepted for success, if you do not complete these standards, you will not be successful ,there is practice and review that is up to you to perform. This school is nationally accredited, it has been deemed an appropriate means of further education for specifically nursing by the National League for Nursing (who also designated it a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education) and by the Accredidation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) formerly the NLNAC or National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, the top two places you look at Any nursing programs to see if they are accredited by these facilities. It is Not a scam. It isn't a diploma factory, if it were, these people who were not successful would in fact be here singing its praises. I will likely go on to take my RN to MSN with Excelsior, I had zero complaints. I had been an LPN for 16 years when I started the program.

I was a student at (Regents College) now known as Excelsior and completed my Associates in Science Nursing in 1999. I am very pleased where it's got me. Currently I am a RN on the Rapid Response Team in a large Level 1 Trauma Center. There are only 5 of us out of 800+ RN's. I had to test against RN's with BSN's to obtain the position,. Ultimately, I believe Excelsior prepared me well. I know some folks complain about the CPNE. I believe CPNE is the only way Excelsior can verify that a student is ready to clinically function as a RN. Students must understand this. There are workshops and forums to help students achieve this. I don't think Excelsior is for everyone. However, if you are motivated and have the ability to study on your own this program is for you. It worked GREAT for me I was able to get through the course quickly but having said that I worked my butt off. In closing I am grateful Excelsior was there for me.....Thank you Excelsior!

It took me seven years to squeeze this program out as they squeezed me for yearly fees. As a working man, it took a lot of time to accumulate the money needed for each module and study material. I also had to attend some tougher classes (microbiology) on my own dime. I took some study classes to prepare for the practical exam. At bout that time I received notice from the school that I was being removed from the program as I had been a student for the max seven years! I had to get a permission letter from the "dean" to finish the program. I had to fly to Milwaukee to take the practical, which I didn't know was $2000! Add the $775 in expenses certainly put the pressure on!! Made it through the first clinical night ok, but then failed by transposing MG numbers on one patient. My second failure was for applying a nitro patch BEFORE removing the existing patch on the other arm 10 seconds later!! In my post exam interview, they offered me to re-take the practical one month later for another two grand. I can't write my response on this site. It's all about the money with these people, folks. Don't do it!! Their clinical test-out isn't recognized by many institutions anyway. For what it's worth, take a loan and go through a REAL RN program. Mike, Ohio.

Great school to attend, it's also demanding you will earn your degree. The support network is outstanding and there was never a moment where I wouldn't call and not be satisfied. I completed the BSL program after transferring in with a 2yr degree. I completed all degree requirement in March 13' and will be conferred on 17 May 2013, a little over 19 months for completion. As for respectability of the degree I am having no issues getting offers on jobs on the state and federal level. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for advancement at their own pace.

Excelsior College was such a great decision for my career and education. Their Professors were awesome and provided an educational environment that allowed me to provide honest input, and actually responded to you individually. I will never regret my BS in Liberal Studies!

Just to let you know if you EVER plan to move to California (maybe other states as well) you can not attend this school! California Board of Nursing does not recognize this school as it does not offer traditional clinicals!

I completed the AAS in Nursing a number of years ago. The exams weren't too bad, and I failed the first CPNE, passed the second. I have an AA in Humanities and a BS Management, aside from my nursing degree. When getting my transcripts evaluated, I was aggravated to find out that they wanted me to take another English class for "professional writing" which I had taken as an upper level class in my BS degree which made no sense to me. I was enrolled in the MS Nursing program, but found the classes impossible to complete because of "team projects" which are very difficult because everyone works different shifts, live in different parts of the country, etc. I wanted to do online learning becasue that is what I wanted to avoid. If I want to do a team project, I'll go to the local school and work with people who live in the same time zone! I recommend the AAS in Nursing, but beyond that, forget it.

I just finished my last class towards a BS in Liberal Studies. Not exactly the degree I dreamed of but a degree I feel I worked hard to get. Online education (as a working adult) is no joke. I read and wrote a lot but luckily had some flexibility to take courses that interested me. As a career military member with 7 different colleges and an AAS in Architecture, I knew finishing a BS in Architecture was not going to be possible. Excelsior helped me tie it all together. Good staff support and overall, the instructors were effective but sometimes seemed inconsistent with writing standards; I think the same could be said about a traditional "brick and mortar" colleges. Bottom line, I worked my tail off to attain my degree and Excelsior College worked for me.

Here's the deal. It really isn't set up to teach you anything at least not from scratch. You don't get in without prior experience and prior learning so you shouldn't be starting from scratch. They are just validating the transferable knowledge and skills to entry level nursing. That's it. I have come to find that the nursing profession is very protective but ignorant in terms of how ubiquitous some skills and knowledge are in health professions. They won't give you credit without clinicals done in nursing at a hospital, period. Doesn't matter how much other experience you have. That's where this program is lacking; clinical experience. However redundant it may be for some of us the bottom line is the nursing profession demands it and it's a real struggle in a tight job market to try to get a RN job without it (obviously, I haven't as of yet). So, can you get your degree quickly? Yes (some in as little as 3-4 months). Is it legitimate? Yes (Never been questioned once about the school itself, just no clinical experience). Can you get licensed? Absolutely...well, maybe. Depends on where you live, they will make you jump through hurdles and there are many reasons for it, some just plain political so buyer beware. I had no problems with all that-I'm licensed but w/o nursing experience so it's a struggle and I'm looking into Oklahoma which requires "post licensure" clinicals even though I have a nursing compact license. So I'll have to do clinicals in that state to get a license there. The school is real, been around a long time so saying it's a joke, etc., is just plain stupid. It's regionally accredited and that's the gold standard so that's that.

I found this college to be amazing, and know many people who have graduated from this school and gone on in their fields and succeeded well and some are even now making 6 figures a year. This school is not meant for people with no life / previous college experience. Their main purpose is to help adults finish degrees. So, if you have never gone to school before, of course it is going to be more expensive. However, to all the people that say it is a scam it is a non for profit federally funded institution and has been around since the 70's. I do not see it being over priced considering I also have a BA in psychology from A DIFFERENT COLLEGE in NY and it cost me nearly $60,000 and I had 30 transfer credits. And of course the exams and testing are going to be harder, the instructors need to know that your regularly practicing the material.

Excelsior is an excellent institution of higher learning that's well worth the time and effort. I graduated the Master of Arts, Liberal Studies, Global Strategies program in March 2008. This program expanded my critical thinking and analytical abilities to a high degree. The professors I had were knowledgeable and inspired me to go deeper into each subject. I use one course, Strategic Problem Solving, in my life on a regular basis. It uses a practical method to approach issues with confidence, vision, and the power of certainty. Professor David B. Broad teaches it, and he teaches people how to think, not what to think. I would recommend this program to anyone that wants to improve their thinking and writing.

I am an Excelsior nursing graduate. Happy and proud to announce. Since then, I have moved on to my masters in nursing FNP. I wish Excelsior would add DNP and Clinical masters paths! Since graduating from Excelsior I have not been in a program as Excelsior's programs that I took. Very good school bar none. Also, shame on those states that do not recognize Excelsior Associates in Nursing degree. They have no idea. Excelsior nursing graduates can run circles around those graduates from traditional schools so recognized by CA and GA and I do not know what other state? (that do not recognize Excelsion ASN graduates). They just do not know. Go Excelsior, proud to be your graduate two times over! and ready to take the Masters in Nursing Education certificate. Cheap and affordable eduation that does not make one quit working. I have more to say, but what the heck..., nuff said.

I had a lot of classes at multiple universities (UAF, UWash) over several years, had been in-and-out of school, and switched majors five or six times. Life happens. And none of which made a degree. My transfer credits, AP exams, and CLEP exams got me a BA Liberal Studies (1999). For me, it was cheap and easy. Later, my Regents (Excelsior) degree, combined with a very (very) good GRE score, got me into a (liberal arts-related) graduate school at a public mid-major, where I finished a PhD. Excelsior probably will not get you into a top-tier graduate school -- and these days, jobs are scarce in academia for everyone, even at the top -- but it can work for smart and self-directed students, even if you want to pursue graduate studies.

There have been some posts on this forum concerning Excelsior College requiring all the money up front for all the coursework you need to complete your degree. Excelsior College DOES NOT ask for all the money up front, or ask you to sign any sort of "contract" concerning up-front payment! These individuals obviously dealt with a test preparation or for-profit publishing company instead of Excelsior directly. My recommendation would be to always deal with the school directly. There are companies out there that print study materials, guides, etc., but have NO association with the school whatsoever. I have heard others report that some of these companies claim to have an association or partnership with Excelsior, but this claim is simply NOT true! I cannot say from personal experience what any of these companies have claimed as I never dealt with any of them directly. Excelsior clearly states on their website that they DO NOT endorse or partner with any test preparation or for-profit publishing company. Excelsior does maintain a list of these companies that have voluntarily agreed to follow a set of best practices set forth by the college, but this is the extent of their involvement with these organizations. Apparently some of these companies evaluate what you need to complete your degree, and ask that you pay for all of their study materials and other fee's up front, or sign a contract to finance the entire amount (again, I cannot speak about this from personal experience because I have not dealt with any of these organizations directly, but have heard this from many, many other people). Excelsior College WILL NOT ask you to pay for everything up front! I am within a few credits of completing my Nursing degree through Excelsior (have completed all the Nursing requirements), and have NEVER been asked to "pay ahead" like that. Please BEWARE of some of these third-party companies! Do your due diligence before either using their study materials or signing any contracts with them, and check with Excelsior and the Better Business Bureau.

Due to geographical relocations and "life", I had undergraduate credits compiled from large universities that I wanted to compile into a degree. Excelsior offered the accredited-program that I needed to "tie it all together" with a few additional courses. Other schools had basic residency course requirements that were prohibitive as far as cost and time. The courses that I took through Excelsior were challenging, in several cases more-so, than the brick and mortar classes that I have taken over the years. I found the professors knowledgeable and responsive. Yes there is a lot of writing required, and the online format requires self-direction. They do not baby you. But for the right person, it is a great solution to move forward and complete a degree that is accredited and will also get you into a graduate-school program, if that is your goal.

While in the Air Force I attended several colleges. Excelsior accepted most of my credits from the schools and several from the Community College of the Air Force. The CCAF is where I was trained to do my jobs in the AF and they are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is very important to ensure what kind of accreditation a school has to Excelsior. I earned a Liberal Studies degree with excelsior and a Homeland Security certification; great support, lots of writing, experienced instructors guide the courses and know the material. If you are an enlisted person, don't hesitate to get your degree with excelsior, they are regionally accredited and can lead to a commission, a really good degree prior to getting out or retiring, or making yourself more competitive for the SNCO board. I highly recommend Excelsior.

I have been enrolled in a bunch of colleges throughout my career, both military and civilian (I am a veteran but not career military) and Excelsior accepted them all, including my Navy SMARTS transcript. Outstanding teachers, excellent courses, 100% online. The instructors have high standards and the classes are rigorous and not for someone expecting to skate through with a C, but Excelsior is a great place to earn a convenient and fully accredited, accepted-everywhere degree. I will be graduating in March 2013 with my BS in Liberal Studies with Emphasis in Admin. Mgt./PoliSci and have already been conditionally accepted to Villanova University's (Top Senior University in the North Region, US News) MPA program pending receipt of my BS diploma. My Master's admission success was very much based on the strength of Excelsior's programs. I would stack my degree up against anyone's.

Previously I had attended 3 colleges. I had been in Architecture and got to the point that I wanted to take a break. I moved back to my hometown and started working a State job. It would have been difficult to quit my job to move out of town to attend a school of Architecture. At this point I just wanted to finish a Bachelors Degree so that I would have a degree from all my work. I had about 6 years of college classes. Excelsior (Regents College under the University of the State of NY at that time) allowed me to put my credits together and finish a Liberal Arts Degree so that my credits would be of value to me. It is State and Regionally accredited. The courses that I took to complete my degree were hard courses that required a lot of study. Previously I had thought that correspondence courses would be easier than attending classes. Boy was I wrong. Many correspondence courses require a few to several times more work than traditional classes, and require more mastery of the subject. But most of my previous credits were traditional courses. I have noticed that many State Colleges are offering more courses by correspondence and online. Excelsior was a pioneer in this. It was ahead of it's time. I'm very thankful to have found this program so that I could finish a degree. Also, I understand that many people in the military are students in Excelsior also. The most important thing is that you have to have a goal and stick to it. It takes maturity and determination.

As a medical provider for a number of years I felt like cross-training but didn't have time for a traditional program. Like many students Excelsior took a back burner for the first few years, with annual fees being paid. Finally buckled down and got serious over training, completing studies to take an exam ~3 months. Near the end of the exams, another exam was added, adding extra time and money to the program. When that exam was done, another exam was added. No attempts at grandfathering students who had been with Excelsior for a while were made. Information on required exams often difficult to come by. Online FCCA a joke, no instructor input for first 3 weeks of 8 week course. A take it until you pass mentality didn't indicate that each score was cumulative. No feedback from FCCA. After years, many extra hoops and thousands of dollars, no degree secondary to poor planning and implementation of courses, poorly designed and inadequately described FCCA, and nearly non-existent clinical training requiring months on a waiting list to achieve. If you have the patience and just want a standard RN, go for it. Otherwise save your money and sanity and go with a traditional school, at least you have receive actual clinical education, and not the weekend bit you have through Excelsior.

I had a little trouble getting enrolled, but once I was in the program, things flowed smoothly. They accepted all but four of my previous credits, they kept up on my status reports, and they were clear about my financial aid. Most of my teachers were quick to respond and offered helpful feedback. More than simply gaining a degree, I learned something while I was in school. My husband had some issues with one professor's lack of math skills (grading) and with the finance office, but he called them and resolved each issue quickly and to our satisfaction.

I will be graduating Excelsior's bridge program for Associate Degree in Nursing in a few days. I have to say that I first and foremost saw the people I tested with, some failed, some passed. You MUST study what excelsior offers you to pass. Some people never even read the study guide before going, nor do they practice their labs! It's just like any other school, THEIR way or NO WAY. PERIOD. You wouldnt go take a final exam without studying the final review, so why go take the CPNE without memorizing the study guide for it, and taking the offered support workshops? I took an excelsior workshop, was on a free yahoo group with other students called freehelpexcelsior and I passed first time, no repeats! Even if the CE says you did something wrong, and tries to fail you, if you know that study guide, then you can stand on that, and they can not fail you! its simple- You have the ammuntion, use it. Love it, will continue on with my bachelors through them. YOu can do it! I've seen it done. I did it. You can too.!

Even though I completed my degree by taking courses at very decent traditional colleges including NYU, my degree is essentially worthless. I can't get into any decent graduate programs. No one ever heard of Excelsior. It even sounds like the name of a diploma mill, or a comic book slogan. The old name Regents was much better. They need to expand their graduate offerings so people like me have somewhere to go to further in their academic careers.

My CPNE experience started at Chambersburg with 9 LPN's, 5 who were repeat testers. Being a retester myself I was more than prepared for my 2nd go around. 5 of the 9 failed some of the labs the first evening. The labs are simple skills, there is no teaching involved, you either know how to do the skill the "Excelsior way", perfectly or you fail. By the morning of the third day there were 3 of us present to start the final day of patient testing. By the end of the day I was the only LPN who passed the CPNE. I, myself, had to argue with the examiner and the CA over the idenification process I used for my first pt. or I also would have failed. I checked the ID band then when back to the PCS form and compared the name and birthday. No where does it say that you must have you PCS paper in your hand when you check the pt. ID band but I was going to fail because of that anyway. The whole testing process expects unrealistic perfection with examiners who aren't always giving you their undivided attenton. I had examiners scan wrong meds, scan wrong pts. and gave me info from the wrong pts. chart. But those mistakes were overloooked. You are a student and should be treated like one. There should be some element of teaching by these "Masters" nurses. I realize this is only one weekend but no human is that perfect. Maybe an element of scoring with marks off for mistakes, graded according to severity would help. I'm not saying to give a passing grade away but when you have a pass/fail of 10% passing there is definitely something wrong. Unless you are someone who thrives on perfection and unbelievable pressure I suggest looking elsewhere to obtain your RN.

I recently obtained my B.S. in liberal Arts with a concentration in Criminal Justice Administration. I have been enrolled with Excelsior College since 2002. I merged credits from previous schools (all brick and mortar)and several schools I have attended throughour my 19-year military career with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. My full-time occupation is a police officer. This solid academic institution provided me with rich support, guidance, and flexibility. I strongly recommend this school to military members, and those individuals who have an arduous work schedule. The courses are tedious but fair. A concerted effort is emphasized while taking courses at ESC as it is not automatic that students pass. Lastly, I was accepted to a Tier 1 graduate school in New York (brick & mortar) as my 3.51 average was conducive to now being enrolled with that institution. Excelsior College may not be for everyone, but those who obtained their degree from this school have truly earned it.

EXCELLENT program and the ONLY College that would take my all of my credits from seven different schools. The support and guidance by the staff was excellent. They evaluated my credits and goals and together we put a plan together to achieve my goal. Best part is that I could take classes at any college of my choice with full confidence that the credit would apply to my degree. Working full time at a major corporation and being a dad I could not have completed my degree any other way and having my bachelors has been essential for my career. I took all my classes through an online program which was ideal for me and saved SO much time. I HIGHLY recommend this program for those that have units from multiple schools. Unlike any other program they give you credit for and respect the hard work you have put in at other colleges.

I graduated with my associates of applied science in nursing. I was able to test out of everything using their Excelsior College Exams and passed the CPNE with no repeats. It's not an easy program, but it's definitely doable if you are highly motivated. I have had no trouble getting jobs or transfering my credits to other colleges. I really have no complaints and recommend this college for those who are highly motivated independent learners.

Studying on your own and passing the written exams @ a testing center is OK. But the staff of Excelsior College knows they will get you @ the CPNE, their so-called "Clinical" testing. It's a RIDICULOUS SCAM. It is not an objective exam but completely subjective. If the CE said you did something wrong, there is no way to prove her wrong. Why? Because she has a master degree and you are only a "student nurse". If you don't believe me, do what we all do. Exchange e-mail with the other students you will meet in the lobby and after the exam, see how many pass. In my two former attempts, it was 0. If they would take only your $2000.00, that would be OK but they are also trying to take your pride. How can an exam be based on the slightest thing you do wrong when you are a nervous wreck "student nurse"? As a student, I can fail any CE with master or not because a human being is always going to do something wrong.

I was in a bachelor of science in general business curriculum. I had to take a capstone course BUS 495 business strategy. It was an 8 week format. The problem with the course is you had to work on the business strategy game in a group. Some of my group members couldn't be contacted because they weren't in the United States. You had to do 2 case studies that were 10-12 pages in length, a report and power point on the business strategy game which took a lot of time, complete a 10 page business portfolio, along with 6 posts a week(2 initial, and a 4 responses to other students). I am a working person who went to a traditional brick and mortar school, I didn't get nearly that amount of work. The instructor was no help because she didn't want to be contacted by phone only by email where it took a long time to respond. She said to me that I am a tough grader. She had a PHD but, I believe she did not know how to facilitate online courses. I encourage everyone who is in business to do your research before enrolling in this college. From what I hear from other students, they were correct, you waste more time doing discussing questions and writing case studies. Also, there is no real interaction between classmates unless you are posting answers to discussion questions. The instructor wasn't very personable. In the fall, I am going back to the New Jersey School of Technology where I can have real interaction with my professors and classmates.

This program isn't for everyone, but it was the perfect program for me. Given my transient military lifestyle, I required the flexibility and portability that this program offered. The exam format prepared me well for the NCLEX-RN. I passed the state board on my first attempt. The CPNE is no joke. It is rigorous, as well it should be! I passed on my first attempt, with no repeats on any of the lab sims or PCSs, so it can be done, contrary to what some have alleged.

I could not have done it any other way. Excelsior was an adult learner's dream school. Just do the learning, and then prove it through testing. I was well prepared for the NCLEX. Passed the first time. Did not buy any books, just borrowed them from libraries. Think I might go on with them for the BSN. Have heard good reviews, and they give a discount to former students! I do not think a motivated adult can go wrong with choosing Excelsior College.

I enrolled with Excelsior College with the hopes of being near graduation by the end of a year. Imagine my surprise when I was holding my RN license in my hand exactly 10 months from the date of my first exam!! The mound of support from people that you may never meet is overwhelming. Going through each exam with others with identical goals, triumphs, and tribulations made this experience one-of-a-kind. Being disciplined is a must, as there is no one to force you to study in distance learning. And there is a lot of reading and studying. No college is 'giving' away degrees. It has to be and it will be earned. As far as the CPNE at the end, Excelsior provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to pass the exam, including information on available workshops and materials needed for success. I, along with many others, passed on the first attempt. So do NOT be discouraged by the negativity about this exam. It can be done if you pay attention. I gave a score of 1 on the teachers because, in distance education, there are no teachers or classrooms...only online friends for support and yourself. So,if you need a fast track to your degree or if you need to slow it down a bit, Excelsior College is the one for you!

Excellent and flexible option for finishing a degree. I found that there was more work than with a traditional "brick and mortar" University/College, and the faculty are all skilled and qualified in their field. I take this as a huge positive and indication that this school takes it's accreditation seriously.

I had been an LPN for many years and could not work full time and go to a traditional school. I went to this program and graduated with an AAS in Nursing. I passed my clinicals the 1st time! if you prepare for the clinicals, study exactly what they tell you to study, you can pass the first time! I hate reading some of the reviews that say this is a scam...IT IS NOT A SCAM AND CAN BE DONE! The ones that don't pass weren't prepared and now they want to blame the college! I took my NCLEX AND PASSED THE 1st time too! I have been an R.N. for 6 years, and could not have done it without Excelsior College!

The CPNE was unrealistically ridiculous!! Four of the six students testing over the weekend were there for the second try, and I am not sure those four passed this time. Just an example of how ridiculous it was, at the simulation lab of the IV pust station I made sure there were no bubbles in the syringe, tipped it upside down (like I had seen others testing do) The CE took it over to the CA and asked if she could see a bubble. The CA started beating on the syringe with a pen to see if she could make a bubble pop up. Fluid from the syringe was splattering everywhere, then she states, no don't see a bubble. I passed that station the first time, but, by then I was a nervous wreck. The clinicals are not an indication of if you practice safe nursing, but, how much criticizem can you take and still perform to their 100% accuracy expectation. I am looking into transfering my credits to a local college and going that route. The college already told me though they didn't think the A & P will be accepted, that is another $350.00 wasted. (just for the exam not including the books) I DO NOT RECOMMEND EXCELSIOR COLLEGE.

I was a very experienced paramedic when I completed my ASN at Excelsior. I had been enrolled for several years and had completed only one exam when I got serious about completing the program and followed this method: Schedule an exam on a Friday, follow the suggested reading list exactly with great diligence, take the exam and if you pass schedule the next exam for the very next Friday, repeat. This will require 8-12 hours per day Monday thru Thursday, a high level of self motivation, great reading retention / test taking ability, and a lifetime of previous medical experience. The exam that focuses on administrative processes should be simple to pass without study, I doubled it up with another exam on the same day and made an A on it without studying, while getting a B on the other. What you have to realize is that when they say "show what you know" they mean it, and the CPNE is the most difficult testing experience I have ever dealt with. Imagine a 1980s style ACLS mega code experience for two and a half days! But it can be done! You need to actually read the CPNE preparation manual, fully understand it, and be able to perform under pressure. I attended Excelsior's CPNE workshop about three months before taking the CPNE, prepared diligently, and passed the first time; as did five out of seven on my weekend. Really only for the experienced, able, and brave!

I thought the Excelsior experience was overall positive. I had been an LPN for 32 years, but had practiced a different discipline until I returned to Nursing 10 years ago. What was great is that it did not impact my life negatively. I enjoyed my day to day life, and took a test when I felt like it. This school was great until the time for the clinical portion. I was fortunate that I passed first time around, however that is not the case for many, many students. So much time and money already invested, and then this incredible hurdle to has to be cleared. I truly believe some changes need to be made. That could make this school and this degree a much more pleasant and positive experience. It is the subjective nature of the test, and how it is graded that is the problem. It can and should be changed...for the betterment of the student and school. I would say attend this school, with the provision knowing what is up ahead. All could be for not, if unable to pass one weekend in a hospital...I had to be the most stressful weekend I have ever experienced. I cannot imagine ever having to repeat that test!

Outstanding school. Definitely worth the time, the effort, and finishing. The class schedule is all up to you. You can find classes in your area that will transfer in or take classes at the college. I am currently pursuing an MBA from another college. The instructors were great, the administration is great, & graduation was a blast. They really take care of you. I couldn't attend regular classes, but this was a way to complete all of my credits. Not to mention, I was one of the rare students who had soo many credits but couldn't apply them all to the school I wanted. Excelsior saved me years by helping to pull everything together. This is an excellent school, method of learning, and way to "get there." The prices are good too... just compare prices yourself. The school name literally means ever upward. Great school & every bit as challenging as other schools. Maybe even more so because you have to be disciplined to work. Anything worth having requires work on your part. Can't say enough about the staff & program. This is the education of the future and they were doing this when everyone else was just thinking about it. It is a model for distance learning. Great school. ~Recent grad.

Excelsior College is capable of graduating top notch nurses IF you can pass the CPNE. It's very hard not to think that the pass/fail criteria is not a "set up" to make money off of people. Please beware when taking their Clinical Competency exam as there is NO margin for mistake or failure which is very unlike traditional nursing schools. You pay $2000.00 to travel to one of their hospital sites for 2 1/2 days and most likely you will have to repeat it. They classify you as a "graduate nurse" which is suspect considering that you can't graduate before you pass the clinical exam. I just think they REALLY need to change the pass/fail criteria and include some teaching during clinicals since you ARE still really a student during this phase. I would not be surprised when they end up in court over this.

****Items rated as five should be considered N/A**** First of all I would like to clarify that I earned an associates in science, a two year transfer degree and intend to one day complete a four year degree (probably from Excelsior). I would also like to clarify that I never took any actual classes with Excelsior and am not sure why anyone would, not because the classes are poor (from what I've heard they are good but not cost effective) but because the primary reason Excelsior is successful is that it has no "residency requirement" (in other words, one need not take classes there to get a degree if sufficient credit has been accumulated elsewhere). I took this route, using ACE reviewed credit sources, tests, certifications, and other college credit. It was a hassle getting everything sorted out, the friendly representatives were great to talk to; however, the process was not always efficient and mistakes were made. Long story short, I highly recommend Excelsior as the most cost effective solution to earning a degree if one is to take advantage of the lack of residency requirement. It was cheaper than my community college in Colorado springs would have been. Just keep in mind that getting a degree this way comes with its own set of headaches and that it requires tons of research. I used www.degreeforum.net and www.degreeinfo.com quite a bit to get my credit sources figured out. Other good schools for implementing this option (ie. they have no residency requirement) are Thomas Edison State College (TESC) and Charter Oaks State College (COSC). Both have more expensive annual fees than excelsior (last I checked) so in my mind Excelsior is by far the most efficient associates degree option while the others become more competitive when getting a four year degree. I hope this is helpful!

Using the online materials truly enhanced this learning experience for me, and I believe they can help anyone with reasonable tech/online skills. The school itself holds an immense reputation of manufacturing top notch nurses, and for that reason the program can be challenging. Trust me I remember my CPNE (clinical) very well. Of the six people that started two of us passed. So, don't be fooled, this program will metamorphosize you into a well prepared and well respected nurse. If that appeals to you, this may be your school. If you can't handle high pressure situations, or you think its too much, this may not be your school. Also if you aren't self-confident and self-motivated, or you can't learn their strict system of rigorous assessment, it may not be for you.

I have no issues with Excelsior. Be prepared to write essays. Most of the courses require a good deal of writing. If that is not your forte, It would be advisable to look elsewhere. The eight week sessions are demanding. I had substantial interactions with the admissions,financial aid, and academic advising personnel. All of them tried hard to provide a high level of service.

I have completed my Associates degree at my local brick and mortar community college. Excelsior College proved to be rather challenging as well as rewarding. I completed my Bachelors degree in Political Science at this institution after having to transfer once I went on active duty. Overall it is a good school with valid regional accreditation. Its affordable and flexible for Soldiers who have to move around allot.

Overall, I had good experience completing my degree at Excelsior. Because I had attended several different colleges and changed majors, I had over 170 hours without a degree, I only needed 13 semester hours. They accepted most of my previous CLEP and DANTES tests scores and all of my previous classes. I was lacking the required upper level credits. I completed my degree requirements in less than 3 months after my initial evaluation was completed. Yes the fees are high, but when you look at the overall costs it was a bargain. No minimum number of classes I had to take, no restrictions on the amount of transfer credits, and no maximum of credits by college level testing. So I only paid about $2500 to complete the 13 semester hours, mainly by testing including all required fees. So I now I have job that I couldn't have without my degree and the satisfaction of being a graduate.

I looked at many options to complete my bachelor's degree. I was working as a nurse and traveled a lot when I started a new non-profit. On-line was the best way to go, plus the credits earned through examinations. For the level of practice I needed, Excelsior College provided a great experience. To address some of the negative reviews, not all colleges are accredited in each state. You must give it due diligence to chose a program that will meet the clinical hours for the state you plan on practicing in. To complete any on-line program, you will need to be a self-starter. You do not have face to face encounters with your co-students and instructors. I have classmates from around the world in my classes. I found their experiences added more depth to the program.

I completed my associates degree in a little over a year with my SMART transcript. The math instructors provided good tools to make the information easier to understand. The other classes rely on papers and projects more than tests (since they are taken online) to test the students knowledge. I used Excelsior to get my degree for advancement in the Navy, but I am not sure about its real world value. I plan on going to a State university once I retire to complete my degree.

I finished my BS in Liberal Studies with a dual focus in Administative Management and Psychology recently, after a 22-year military career where I attended Texas Tech University, University of Hawaii, and University of Phoenix along the way. Excelsior recognized my experience and previous efforts, drew up a plan with multiple options and guided me to the finish line. For any military person, it's a no-brainer for online education. You will do alot of essay writing because it's online, but you will be very prepared to move on to the Master's program if needed to. I'm starting mine in March.

Don't spend your time or money unless you plan to finish your ADN by paying for the final Exam at one of their "teaching" hospitals at least twice. The exam process - Labs are not difficult but are EXTRAORDINARILY SUBJECTIVE and set for failure if you are taking the test for the first time. The PCS(s) are also not difficult but again if you are only paying for the first time - plan on paying a second time before you pass - Very unlikely you will pass on the first time. Interruptions were continuous from the "lead" instructor throughout my process. He was a very high strung and arrogant CA, the regular instructors were continuously second guessed and interrupted as well. My Fail of the first PCS was on a misspelled word which the CE stated was not an issue and the CA stated failure for that reason anyway. He thought Asthma was spelled asthna....so that gives you an idea of just how subjectively knit picky they can be. All other aspects of the entire care plan and critical elements were more than satisfactory as stated by my CE. 6 Students were going to one facility and all were on their second time - they all passed the first night without repeat. The 6 students I was with had no successes and of course we had not yet paid FOR THE SECOND TIME YET - I am certain some of them will - I will not and am now discontinuing any further education through excelsior for this reason. This is very doable if you have the time and CASH$$$$$$ to repeat the program. Even when taking into account the second and third time taking it, there is only a 60% pass rate. I don't know the pass rate for first timers but I am betting it is around 10%. I have two other degrees from excelsior and two from othe institutions that are not extension or online programs and it pains me to say - DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE ALOT OF IT TO WASTE!!!! And.... Mr Gump with two "R"'s you and excelsior know who I am talking about... Get Real...You are the most high strung, rude, ego centric "instructor" I have ever met. Sorry your life has not been going well but we are people too. Personally you treated me like less than a pre-schooler; although I wouldn't have expected the rudeness and anger and obvious dissatisfaction in your own life to have shown so extensively toward a 3-5 year old child the way it did when you spoke AT me in such a disrespectful and disregarding manner. i truly hope Excelsior faculty will read this as well as anyone planning to waste their valuable time and resources in pursuit of this program. I was very well prepared and am no stranger to study. I am 50 years old and planned to excel in this new career path as I have done in my previous endeavors but not at the loss of my integrity. I am more upset about the treatment by this "Instructor" than the loss of the money and time. All any of us were looking for was a fair shake and it was OVERTLY obvious that all this instructor was looking for was JOB SECURITY by way of continued attrition and repeated PAYMENT!! Shame on you and Shame on Excelsior!!!

I have just recently completed my ADN through Excelsior College and I was very pleased with the College. I went through The College Network for all of my courses who were amazing. Their courses were designed for working adults and loved the format of the courses. After completion of the courses I enrolled into excelsior college and did not think that the clinicals were very difficult at all. If you prepare with what they tell you you will do fine. I hear these storis that Excelsior College wont pss you at the weekend clinical but when I hear stories like that then the student must not have been prepared as they should have. Best advice I can give for the clinical is to act like states is in the buliding and you will do just fine. I would reccomend the program to anyone because it helped me get my degree without making any classroom attendance and it was once of the best decisions of my life.

I'm an LPN and took the online program. I took 14 subjects and a clinical. As a single parent, I worked two jobs to pay Excelsior. After paying them $12,000 cash, no loans, no government assitance. They gave me the materials, told me what to study and learn. Then failed me for petty things at the clinical. I did the whole program, jumped through hoops, paid and took new programs as they kept adding to wait i needed to do to graduate, but they failed me anyway. They were unfair, unreasonable, and greedy. As they failed me, they gave me an application to pay another $2,000 to apply to do another clinical in 6 months. I believe I gave them the money they wanted for a nursing education, but no degree because i didn't wash my hands before entering a closet the hallway outside a patient room. I didn't harm a patient. In fact, i didn't even get to meet the patient. There wer 8 of us testing that weekend. 1 student passed. This school needs to be investigated for their unfair practices. For selling products that the consumer cannot use. 12K invested, and I'm still an LPN. I'm exactly where I started 2 years ago. and I'm not the only one.

The CPNE, the stop gatefor the LVN to RN program, Very poor pass rate. very subjective, they want more mone.

As a recent graduate of Excelsior College (BS in Liberal Studies/focus: Sociology), I was truly impressed overall. After earning my Associate's Degree at a (regionally accredited) junior college, Excelsior accepted all my credits as I pursued a Bachelor's Degree. They offered various ways to earn credits; I took advantage of ECEs, DANTES exams, distance classes with BYU, and LSU. I truly felt challenged during my studies as it wasn't a "walk in the park" to complete my degree. I only experienced one negative issue with my advisor, but he was receptive and proffesional throughout the process; ultimately I supported my argument with documentation and the issue was resolved. Excelsior's advisors and librarians were excellent with respect to inquiries and assistant; they were rapid and clear with replies and followed up with an email. I did not feel like I was left to "sink or swim." I believe Excelsior's tuition and fees are reasonable;you'll surely save money if you exercise your option to earn credits with other associated schools or via examination. Excelsior's commencement at the Empire State Convention Center was an awesome experience as it was well organized and featured distinguished speakers. I recommend Excelsior College to highly motivated working adults, who cannot attend traditional "Brick and Mortar" schools.

I am 2 classes away from finishing my ADN. I purchased my books on amazon and made payments on my enrollment fee while doing the program. I opted to go straight through excelsior without college network or any of the other publishing companies which charged up to 5000 more. You don;t need it. I'm glad I bought the 8 books and had all of that knowledge at my finger tips. Each class comes with an outline that tells you what you need to know. I saw a negative review that stated the material provided was not enough. Well as a nurse you need to be able to think for your self. If you can you'll love this program. P.S. Do it with a few friends to keep you motivated. We should be done in less than 9 months.