ALBANY, NY (November 9, 2011) — Excelsior College and The Kroger Company have forged an education partnership to allow Kroger general office employees and their spouses to pursue higher education degrees at reduced tuition rates.

The Kroger Company, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, serves customers in 2,439 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states. In total, an estimated 4,500 general office employees will have access to the educational benefit program.

"Degree attainment is one of the single largest factors to professional development and career advancement and the reason why so many companies are placing a renewed focus on offering their employees a path toward higher education," said Excelsior College President Dr. John F. Ebersole. "The Kroger Company understands that a stronger, more educated workforce makes for a stronger company. Excelsior College looks forward to the first wave of Kroger degree seekers."

Excelsior College is a private, nonprofit, regionally-accredited distance learning institution in Albany, NY celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Kroger employees will be able to enroll in associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs within any of Excelsior College’s four schools: Liberal Arts, Business and Technology, Health Sciences and Nursing.

For more information, visit the Kroger corporate partnership page.