State Authorization & Disclosures
Excelsior University has been approved by the New York State Education Department to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) welcomed Excelsior University to officially join the initiative effective January 5, 2017.SARA is a voluntary agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes national standards for interstate offering of distance education courses and programs. This Agreement is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For additional information regarding SARA, please visit NC-SARA.
SARA Student Complaint Process
Students, or prospective students, must first attempt to resolve a complaint within Excelsior by following the process detailed on the Student Complaint policy page. Pursuant to the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Policy and Operations Manual Section 4.5(c), “If a person bringing a Complaint is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process for handling Complaints, the Complaint (except for Complaints about grades or student conduct violations) may be appealed, within two years of the incident about which the Complaint is made, to the SARA portal entity in the home state of the institution against which the Complaint has been lodged. That SARA State Portal Entity shall notify the SARA State Portal Entity for the State in which the student is located of receipt of that appealed Complaint.” Typically, the state portal entity is that state’s education department or agency. Visit the SARA Student Complaints Process page.
In the unlikely event that students believe their complaint is not resolved by the methods outlined in Excelsior’s publications, they may appeal to the following SARA/Non-SARA portal agencies:
SARA State Participation
Since Excelsior University was approved to participate in SARA since January 5, 2017, Excelsior University is authorized to operate in the following states under the terms and provisions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
As an out-of-state accredited, private, nonprofit, independent institution, Excelsior University is not currently subject to the regulations of the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education. Therefore, Excelsior University is in compliance with California regulations concerning postsecondary distance education.
Excelsior University has not established a physical presence in Guam; therefore, the College is not currently subject to the regulations of the Guam Council on Post-Secondary Institution Certification. Accordingly, Excelsior University is in compliance with Guam regulations concerning postsecondary distance education.
Disclosures for Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification
Excelsior University periodically (at least twice a year) reviews state-specific information to update information posted on this site. State-specific information and conditions can change more frequently, so we always encourage people to consult with the state-specific information.
Excelsior University has determined that its Associate Degree in Nursing curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure, without additional requirements or stipulations, in the following states:
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Arkansas.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination without additional requirements or stipulations.
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) has established rules and regulations specifying general education core requirements for Arkansas students. We want you to know that your Excelsior University degree will not satisfy the general education core requirements established by the AHECB. Although most of the general education requirements are aligned, there are some credits required by the AHECB which are not required by the New York State Board of Regents for the award of an Excelsior University degree.
For additional information, please visit the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 501-686-2700
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Connecticut State Department of Public Health website.
Phone: 860-509-7603
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Florida Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 850-245-4125
The Georgia Board of Nursing reviews each application for RN licensure on a case-by-case basis to determine if applicants will be licensed by examination with or without a required preceptorship.
Excelsior University students are required to submit the Excelsior University State Board Pre-Admission Form during the university admission process.
Excelsior University students are required to submit the Excelsior University State Board Pre-Admission Form during the university admission process.
For additional information, please visit the Georgia Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 844-753-7825
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Idaho.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the State of Idaho Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 208-577-2476
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – Indiana State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 317-234-2043
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Iowa Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 515-281-3255
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Kentucky Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 502-429-3300
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Minnesota Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 612-317-3000
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Missouri Division of Professional Registration – Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 573-751-0681
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Montana.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit theMontana Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 406-444-6880
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Nevada.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Nevada State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 775-687-7700
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates have historically been licensed by examination and/or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations throughout the history of our program. Currently, the New Jersey Board of Nursing is reviewing the Excelsior University associate degree in nursing program curriculum. Licensure applications of Excelsior University program graduates have been paused by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, pending the outcome of this review. Information here will be updated subject to and consistent with the outcome of the Board of Nursing’s review. [December 15, 2023.]
For additional information, please visit the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 973-504-6430
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of New Mexico.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the New Mexico Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 505-841-8340
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the New York Office of the Professions – Nursing website.
Phone: 518-474-3817 ext. 120
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the North Carolina Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 919-782-3211
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Ohio Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 614-466-3947
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Oregon.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Oregon State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 971-673-0685
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 717-783-7142
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation – Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 803-896-4550
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of South Dakota.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit theSouth Dakota Department of Health – Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 605-362-2760
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Tennessee.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Tennessee Department of Health – Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 615-532-5166
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Utah.
Excelsior School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Nursing website.
Phone: 801-530-6628
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the West Virginia RN Board website.
Phone: 304-744-0900 or 877-743-6877
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Wyoming.
Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are licensed by examination or endorsement without additional requirements or stipulations.
For additional information, please visit the Wyoming State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 307-777-7601
Excelsior University has determined that its Associate Degree in Nursing curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure in the following states:
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS , AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Alabama.
The Alabama Board of Nursing does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination or endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Alabama Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 800-656-5318
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Alaska.
Direct licensure: The Alaska Board of Nursing does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination.
Endorsement: Excelsior has not made a determination that its program meets Alaska requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates are advised to contact the Board of Nursing to determine eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Alaska Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 907-269-8161
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Arizona.
Direct licensure: Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are not eligible for RN licensure by examination in Arizona.
Endorsement:Excelsior has not made a determination that its program meets Arizona requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates should contact the Arizona Board of Nursing for instructions on applying for RN licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Arizona State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 602-771-7800
The California Board of Registered Nursing does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination or endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the California Board of Registered Nursing website.
Phone: 303-894-2430
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Delaware.
Direct licensure: Excelsior University graduates are not eligible for licensure by examination in Delaware.
Endorsement: Graduates may apply for licensure by endorsement. Contact the Board of Nursing for requirements to endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Delaware Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 302-744-4500
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the District of Columbia.
The District of Columbia Board of Nursing does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination or endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the District of Columbia Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 877-672-2174
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Hawaii.
Direct licensure: The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing Division does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Hawaii requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates are advised to contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing to inquire about eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing website.
Phone: 808-586-3000
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Illinois.
Direct licensure: The Illinois Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior University graduates.
Endorsement:Graduates may apply for licensure by endorsement if they complete the program before 2023.
For additional information, please visit the Illinois Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 800-560-6420
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Kansas.
Direct licensure: The Kansas Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior University graduates.
Endorsement: Excelsior graduates may apply for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Kansas Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 502-429-3300
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Louisiana.
Direct licensure: The Louisiana State Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior graduates.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Louisiana requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates are advised to contact the Board of Nursing to inquire about eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Louisiana Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 225-755-7500
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Maine.
Direct licensure: The Maine State Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior graduates.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Maine requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates are advised to contact the Board of Nursing to inquire about eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Maine State Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 207-287-1133
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Maryland.
Direct licensure: The Maryland State Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior graduates.
Endorsement: The Maryland Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by endorsement except for graduates who completed the program between October, 2013, and September 30, 2018.
For additional information, please visit the Maryland Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 410-585-1900
Direct licensure: The Massachusetts State Board of Registration in Nursing will not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior graduates after June 1, 2025.
Endorsement: The Massachusetts State Board of Registration in Nursing will not allow licensure by endorsement for Excelsior graduates after June 1, 2025.
For additional information, please visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing website.
Phone: 617-973-0900 / 877-887-9727 for questions related to NCLEX license application.
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Michigan.
Direct licensure: The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Nursing does not license Excelsior University graduates by exam.
Endorsement: Graduates may apply for licensure by endorsement if they graduated on or before May 10, 2021.
For additional information, visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Nursing website.
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Mississippi.
Direct licensure: The Mississippi Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior graduates.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Mississippi requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates should contact the Board of Nursing for information regarding eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Mississippi Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 601-957-6300
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Nebraska.
Direct licensure: The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior graduates.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Nebraska requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates should contact the Department of Health & Human Services – Nursing for information regarding eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Nursing website.
Phone: 402-471-4376
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of New Hampshire.
Direct licensure: The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets New Hampshire requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates are advised to contact the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to determine eligibility for licensure by endorsement
For additional information, please visit the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification website.
Phone: 603-271-2323
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of North Dakota.
Direct licensure: The North Dakota Board of Nursing does not allow licensure by examination for Excelsior University graduates.
Endorsement: Graduates may apply for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the North Dakota Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 701-328-9777
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Rhode Island.
Direct licensure: The Rhode Island Department of Health does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Rhode Island requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates should contact the Department of Health for information regarding eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Nursing website.
Phone: 401-222-5700
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Vermont.
Direct licensure: The Vermont Board of Nursing does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Vermont requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates should contact the Board of Nursing for information regarding eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the Vermont Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 802-828-2396
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS, LPN-BS, BS, RN-MS or MS in nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Washington.
Direct Licensure: Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are not eligible for licensure by examination.
Endorsement: Graduates may apply for licensure by endorsement with 1,000 hours of RN experience.
For additional information, please visit the Washington Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 360-236-4703
Direct licensure: The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services does not license Excelsior University graduates by examination.
Endorsement: Excelsior University has not made a determination that its program meets Wisconsin requirements for licensure by endorsement; graduates are advised to contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services – Board of Nursing to determine eligibility for licensure by endorsement.
For additional information, please visit the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 608-266-2112
Excelsior University has determined that additional requirements must be completed in addition to graduation from the Associate Degree in Nursing program in order for graduates to be eligible for licensure in the following states:
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Colorado.
Direct licensure: Students who enrolled after January 1, 2006, must complete a preceptorship after graduation. This preceptorship is approved and administered by the Colorado Board of Nursing. LPNs/LVNs must complete a 350-hour preceptorship and non-LPNs/LVNs must complete a 750 hour preceptorship.
Endorsement: Graduates enrolled after January 1, 2006, may apply for licensure by endorsement with 2000 hours of RN experience (or complete the preceptorship).
For additional information, please visit the Colorado Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 303-894-2430
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the state of Oklahoma.
Direct licensure: Excelsior University School of Nursing graduates are not eligible for RN licensure by examination in Oklahoma.
Endorsement: Excelsior is no longer accepting or offering the Oklahoma preceptorship. Graduates should contact the Oklahoma Board of Nursing to determine eligibility requirements.
For additional information, please visit the Oklahoma Board of Nursing Website.
Phone: 405-962-1800
Excelsior graduates may sit for the NCLEX-RN and earn a provisional license. They will hold that provisional license until they complete 500 hours of supervised practice and then will be issued a RN license.
Excelsior University students are required to submit the Excelsior University State Board Pre-Admission Form during the university admission process.
For additional information, please visit the Texas Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 512-305-7400
Direct Licensure: Graduates applying for direct licensure will be issued a provisional RN license with requirements to work for a predetermined number of hours before being issued an RN license. Additional information regarding the application process and provisional licensure can be found on the Board of Nursing website.
Endorsement: Graduates may apply for licensure by endorsement if they have 960 hours of RN experience.
Excelsior University students are required to submit the Excelsior University State Board Pre-Admission Form during the university admission process.
For additional information, please visit the Virginia Board of Nursing website.
Phone: 804-367-4515
Excelsior University has not made a determination that its Associate Degree in Nursing curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure in the following states:
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS, LPN-BS, BS, RN-MS or MS in nursing programs from students who reside in Guam.
Excelsior is unable to confirm with the Guam State Board of Nursing if our Associate Degree in nursing program meets the state education requirements for RN licensure for graduates after May 11, 2021. Graduates are advised to call the Board.
For additional information, please visit the Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services – Board of Nurse Examiners website.
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in Puerto Rico.
Excelsior University has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the education requirement for licensure in Puerto Rico.
For additional information, please visit the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners website.
Important: Excelsior is not accepting applications for the AS, AAS and LPN-BS nursing programs from students who reside in the Virgin Islands.
Excelsior University has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the state education requirement for licensure in the Virgin Islands.
For additional information, please visit the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure.
Please note, every attempt is made to ensure the above information is accurate and up to date; as some information is subject to change, be sure to directly contact the appropriate state entity or licensing board.
For the State Board Application Instruction information, be sure to review the information regarding licensure, graduation, and NCLEX resources on the Graduation, Licensure AND NCLEX-RN page. The NCSBN website also provides helpful NCLEX examination and nursing information.
Fee Refunds
Due to Federal Regulations, students residing in California, Florida, Maryland, and Oregon will be refunded following their State refund guidelines. Please contact the Student Accounting Office for more information at 888-647-2388, or receipt@excelsior.edu