Statement of Policy

Regionally Accredited Colleges and Universities

Degree-level credit from any degree-granting college or university accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies may be applied toward Excelsior College degrees. To verify the accreditation status of all postsecondary institutions, Regionally Accredited Colleges and Universities

Excelsior College refers to the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education manual published for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Additional verification from a specific institution will be required if the student attended prior to its accreditation.

If an institution holds regional accreditation candidacy status but was not yet regionally accredited when the student completed their credits (yet held national accreditation) credit will be considered under the policy Transferring Credit From Non-Regionally Accredited Schools. Per this policy, courses completed at non-regionally accredited institutions after a student has enrolled in Excelsior College will not be applied to degree requirements.

Excelsior College reserves the right to accept or deny credit from any specific institution or program.

Regional Accrediting Organizations:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) – Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC-CIHE) – Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC) – The Higher Learning Commission
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) – Commission on Colleges
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACSCU) – Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACCJC) – Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

New York State Registered and Chartered Colleges

Transcripts will also be accepted from higher education institutions within New York State that are authorized by the New York State Board of Regents to award college degrees and whose programs are registered by the New York State Education Department.

Courses required for Associate in Occupational Studies and Associate in Applied Science degree programs at proprietary schools in New York State are acceptable. The College and University Campuses in New York State directory is used to verify the degree-granting status of schools in New York State.

Excelsior College will award upper-level credit for courses taught at a two-year college if the college (e.g., SUNY Cobleskill) is approved to award bachelor’s degrees.

Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) Accredited Institutions

College-level credit from any degree-granting institution accredited by the DETC that also has been approved and recommended by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE Credit) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS) will be applicable. (See Transferring Credit From Non-Regionally Accredited Schools.)