UExcel^® in the News

For Immediate Release:	10 August 2011
For more information, press only:	Excelsior College Ellen G. Lahr elahr@excelsior.edu
	Pearson Adam Gaber 800-745-8489 adam.gaber@pearson.com

UExcel^® Credit-by-Examination Program Expands with Addition of Sociology Exam

The new exam empowers aspiring college students to turn knowledge into credit

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., (August 10, 2011) — Pearson and Excelsior College^® introduce a new offering in the UExcel credit-by-exam program: Introduction to Sociology, a subject area considered increasingly important to a well-rounded college education. Students who successfully prepare for and complete this computer-based, college-level examination will earn three college-level credits from Excelsior College, a regionally-accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution.

Sociology studies the behavior of people as members of groups, rather than as individuals. The subject is not only taught to future sociologists, but to undergraduate students as part of their liberal arts education. It is also an important element of pre-professional programs in law, education, business, medicine, engineering, social work and nursing.

With the addition of the Introduction to Sociology examination, the UExcel program continues its commitment to providing increased opportunities and greater flexibility to students pursuing a college degree. UExcel exams help students demonstrate mastery of college-level material and earn college credit for their knowledge, at a fraction of the cost of tuition for a full semester course.

Between the 2005–06 academic year and the 2010–11 year, average published tuition and fees rose by about 24 percent at public four-year institutions and 17 percent at private nonprofit four year institutions, according to a recent College Board report.

“As the cost of a college education increases faster than income, credit-by-examination is an attractive option for many students,” said Susan Henken, UExcel brand director for Pearson. “UExcel directly addresses the issue of rising tuition costs with an affordable way to turn knowledge into college credit.”

UExcel exams are now available in eight subject areas. The exams are delivered at nearly 4,200 test centers around the world, and examination scores are available immediately. A letter grade and college credits are reported on an official transcript from Excelsior College. Thousands of colleges and universities accept Excelsior College credits earned through UExcel exams and Excelsior College Examinations.

Students take UExcel exams for a variety of reasons. Some use UExcel to shorten the time it takes to earn a degree, thereby saving money on tuition and fees. Others take the exams to move on to more advanced courses sooner, complete basic requirements in order to take more electives, or open new career possibilities. UExcel exams are available to anyone wishing to demonstrate subject matter proficiency including: high school students, homeschoolers, international students, adult learners and military service members.

Pearson and Excelsior College developed the UExcel program, which includes a range of introductory college-level subject area examinations, after recognizing a growing trend in the number of students and parents looking for ways to save money on tuition. In addition, studies show that more high school and college students are now pressed to find better ways to prepare themselves for college-level coursework, an area in which UExcel can also help students.

“UExcel exams are a flexible and efficient way of earning college credits for students who have acquired college-level knowledge outside the classroom,” said Dr. Patrick Jones, vice provost for Excelsior College. “The new UExcel Introduction to Sociology exam measures knowledge and understanding of the material and skills typically taught in a one-semester, undergraduate survey course in sociology. With this exam, students can turn their knowledge of sociology — no matter how it was acquired — into college credit.”

The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) has evaluated and made college credit recommendations for all UExcel exams. The American Council on Education is the major coordinating body for all higher education institutions in the United States.

Students interested in taking a UExcel exam can visit www.UExcelTest.com for more information. To find test centers that offer UExcel examinations, candidates can check the Pearson VUE website.