University Designation

Excelsior College became 91直播 on August 1, 2022.

Excelsior has experienced name changes in the past, and each change offered unique benefits to our students and academics. This next step in Excelsior鈥檚 evolution鈥攂ecoming known as a university鈥攑rovides a platform to reach and continue to serve adult students in broader ways. Students and alumni will benefit from the growing prestige of 91直播, and we will use this as an opportunity to connect, re-engage, and grow our Excelsior community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Excelsior request to change to 91直播?

University designation is an acknowledgment of the breadth of our programs and a symbol of our bold future. Higher education has become increasingly competitive. With many of our students coming from other states or countries where college holds a different connotation, university will showcase that Excelsior also offers graduate programs as well as our commitment to the student experience. New York had been one of a few states to narrowly limit the definition of 鈥渦niversity.鈥� Operating as a university gives us the opportunity to build on our mission and meet the needs of adult students in broader ways.

Did Excelsior have to change its programs to meet the new definition of university? What is the new definition of university in New York State?

No, effective January 26, 2022, Excelsior meets the standards for a university.

University is now defined in New York as 鈥渁n institution of higher education that offers a variety of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, including registered graduate programs in at least three of the following disciplinary areas: agriculture, life sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.鈥�

How does the university designation benefit students and alumni?

University designation is a more accurate reflection of Excelsior鈥檚 identity. It supports our national profile and appeals to a large base of students outside of New York and around the world.

The university designation also better positions Excelsior for programmatic growth, including expanding graduate programs. This focus will strengthen our community and network of students and alumni. As Excelsior evolves, the value of an Excelsior degree also grows.

If I enroll now, will I graduate from Excelsior College or 91直播?

Graduates after August 1, 2022, will graduate from 91直播.

What name will be on degrees and transcripts? Should alumni say they are graduates of 91直播?

Degrees conferred after August 1, 2022, will be from 91直播. Transcripts will be on 91直播 masthead.

As Excelsior becomes known as 91直播, alumni may want their resume to read 鈥�91直播 (formerly Excelsior College).鈥� If a student graduated from Regents College and had previously included that name, the new designation should be 鈥�91直播 (previously Regents College).鈥�

Can students who graduated from Excelsior College, Regents College, or The University of the State of New York order a new diploma with 91直播 listed?

After August 1, 2022, alumni can order diploma reprints to receive 91直播 diplomas. More details will be available closer to August 1.

Will this change financial aid or scholarships?

No. This name change has no impact on financial aid criteria.

Will Excelsior鈥檚 mission and goals remain the same?

Yes! Excelsior remains committed to its mission and goals and will be steadfast in serving adult and underrepresented students.

Will the Excelsior logo change?

We will rebrand Excelsior as 91直播. Part of the process is to look at developing a new logo.

Will the Excelsior webpage or social media handles change?

The web address and email addresses, excelsior.edu, will remain unchanged.

Social media handles are currently @ExcelsiorCollege and plan to be updated by August 1, 2022.

Additional questions or comments can be directed to communications@excelsior.edu.