Excelsior College is a private college located in Albany, New York, USA. The college traces its origin to 1971, a public funded school. Its present name was adopted in 2001; it means "ever upward" in Latin. This name is also the motto of New York State; the college started out as an external-degree-granting unit of the New York State Education Department of the University of the State of New York (USNY)[1] founded in 1784. The college was formerly called Regents College (referring to USNY's governing Board of Regents)of USNY, as well as some similar predecessor names. Excelsior College formally became an independent college that was no longer an administrative unit of the New York State Education Department in 1998. Shortly after that time, the college launched its first graduate programs (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Science in Nursing) and now hosts a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate online courses.

Excelsior currently has over 27,000 enrolled students and boasts the largest nursing program in the United States, and probably the world, with over 17,000 people pursuing their nursing degree with Excelsior.

Excelsior specializes in meeting the needs of the adult learner, giving credit for past experiences and training. Distance learning, mixed with traditional classes, provides flexibility in the learning environment. Sources of college credit that can be used towards an Excelsior College degree program include distance learning courses from Excelsior and elsewhere, traditional college courses taken at sites local to the student, Excelsior College examinations, other recognized examinations, and credit for prior learning. Highest awards are Regional Accredited Master Degrees, say Liberal Arts and MBA. The college and its faculty members have been receipients of various awards. Alumnus of the college or former USNY are also graduates of top universities such as Harvard University and University of Chicago.

Distinguished alumus: ex CEO of McDonalds USA.

Excelsior as a leader in New York Education is now an independent private college with campus and various modes of learning worldwide. In 2005, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is available.

Similar public colleges in distance education are Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey and Charter Oak State College in Connecticut.