Opinions Please!

[snazzlefrag]

The answer to your question is the degree from excelsior is not worth as much as a degree from a traditional school.

Johanna,

Spazz's statement is probably true in certain specific situations which require the completion of an on-the-ground undergraduate degree (science subjects come to mind). But for the most part and with all things being considered equal, a regionally accredited degree from Excelsior is no less and no more valuable than a regionally accredited degree from another school.

It is a regionally accredited degree. Period! As such, there is no reason to expect that employers and graduate schools would discriminate against an Excelsior degree, providing that all other requirements have been met satisfactorily. This is bourne out by the countless number of Excelsior graduates who have continued on to RA masters and doctorate programs, and those who have been able to gain employment, promotion, and/or increase their pay grade based on possession of an RA degree from Excelsior.

To pass any of the college-level equivalency exams, you must prove that you are AT THE VERY LEAST as knowledgeable as an average Bricks and Mortar student who takes the corresponding class. If anything, testing out shows that you are able to take the initiative, able to research and study independently, work well under pressure, be determined, be organized, and be absolutely focussed and self-motivated. All these qualities augur well for graduate work and/or advancement in employment.

There is discrimination and snobbery in all facets of academia. So it is almost certain that any given student would encounter it, in certain circumstances.

A state school may discriminate against non-state schools. An ivy-league school may discriminate against a non-ivy-league school. A B&M school may discriminate against a distance learning school, American schools may discriminate against foreign schools, and so on.

But to claim outright, and without qualification, that an "Excelsior degree is not worth as much as a degree from a traditional school" is probably not a wholly accurate assessment.

As others have correctly recommended, it is wise to do your research before coming to any decisions or conclusions either way.

Hope that helps,
Snazzlefrag