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91吃瓜 ranked among Military Times 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges

Posted on November 21, 2025November 21, 2025 by Jason Bonafide

Arlington, Va. 鈥� Military Times has included 91吃瓜 in its 2025 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, the most trusted, comprehensive list of U.S. colleges and universities committed to supporting military service members, veterans and their families.

This year鈥檚 list includes听357 institutions, marking the听largest field in the program鈥檚 history听and a substantial increase from 304 in 2024. The growth underscores the expanding network of colleges prioritizing veteran success through targeted programs, financial support and student-veteran communities.

鈥淔or 15 years, Best for Vets has helped transitioning service members find schools that not only welcome veterans but actively invest in their success,鈥� said听Jon Simkins, Executive Editor of Military Times and Sightline Media Group. 鈥淭he record-breaking participation this year shows that higher education leaders are listening and working to create environments where veterans can thrive academically and personally.鈥�

Military Times collects data from an extensive survey from colleges across the country. Institutions are evaluated on academic quality, student support services, affordability, and outcomes for veterans, including graduation and retention rates.

Key trends from the 2025 survey include:

Increased participation听among public universities and community colleges, signaling broader institutional engagement.
A surge in听online and hybrid program options, which continue to support active-duty and Guard/Reserve students.
Growth in听dedicated veteran resource centers, peer mentorship networks and mental health services tailored to post-service transition.

The full 2025 ranking, along with an interactive database of schools, can be found at听.

For more information about 91吃瓜鈥檚 student veteran programs, visit 91吃瓜鈥檚 website at听.

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Media contact 91吃瓜:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

91吃瓜 Military Times

The Military Times digital platforms and magazines are the trusted source for independent news and information for service members and their families. The military community relies on Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times, and Navy Times for reporting on everything that matters in their lives, including pay, benefits, finance, education, health care, recreational resources, retirement, promotions, product reviews, and entertainment. Military Times is published by Sightline Media Group. To learn more, visit听.

91吃瓜 91吃瓜

91吃瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 91吃瓜’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs. 听

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.听

Empowering Future Nurse Leaders: Sigma鈥檚 Accelerated Membership Pathway

Posted on November 20, 2025February 23, 2026 by Brian Pervis

Since July 2024, 91吃瓜 has celebrated the achievements of more than 300 nursing students who have academically qualified for the Zeta Chi Chapter of , the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing鈥檚 student honor society. During that time, Excelsior students have benefited from the partnership between OADN and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma), a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to cultivating nurse leadership. Sigma and OADN developed an for Alpha Delta Nu nursing graduates participating in baccalaureate or graduate nursing programs, which has been a transformative opportunity that has aligned perfectly with the mission of many international nursing programs. This initiative reflects a robust recognition of academic excellence and professional development within the nursing community as students progress toward eventual membership into 91吃瓜鈥檚 Tau Kappa at-Large Sigma chapter or听others.

Recognition of Academic Excellence and Professional Development

This collaboration between and opens new doors for our nursing graduates to join a prestigious global network of nurse leaders. It empowers them to engage with Sigma, an organization that promotes leadership, scholarship, and advancement in nursing. By streamlining the eligibility process, Sigma has acknowledged and celebrated the accomplishments of Alpha Delta Nu members, reinforcing the value of nursing pathways.

Empowering Nursing Students to Assume Leadership Roles and Become Lifelong Learners

This is not only an honor society membership but also an entry into leadership for our students. It will expose them to resources, guidance, and a network of professionals striving to make a difference in nursing and patient care. Excelsior students will be challenged to endeavor for academic achievement in the future, maintain the principles of professionalism, and actively pursue professional development at all times, which is crucial in nursing.

Strengthening the听Value of Nursing听Pathways

Sigma鈥檚 accelerated membership pathway for Alpha Delta Nu graduates shows how all nurses are essential in health care, regardless of entry point. This initiative promotes inclusion by acknowledging the importance of all nursing programs, as Sigma acknowledges students鈥� academic achievement. It also sends the message that nursing excellence is not defined by the type of degree one has but by the desire and potential to lead, thus allowing the graduates of our associate nursing program to continue with their professional development and leadership through Sigma.

Impact on Students鈥� Professional Identity and Global Health Care Contribution

The accelerated Sigma membership pathway for the Alpha Delta Nu graduates is an excellent chance for our students to enhance and cement their professional selves. Thus, they become members of the prestigious international network, which provides them with opportunities for leadership, research, and collaboration, developing their careers and enabling them to impact global health care positively. This incentivizes them to work hard to realize their potential and positions them to improve the standard of nursing globally.

91吃瓜 launches Florida site for immersive new learning opportunities听

Posted on October 20, 2025December 2, 2025 by Jason Bonafide

B-roll video:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. 鈥� 91吃瓜, a pioneer in online education, will open the first standalone on-ground learning site in its five-decade history this fall in St. Petersburg, Florida. 91吃瓜 St. Petersburg opens its doors to students beginning Oct. 20. 91吃瓜 St. Petersburg 鈥� located on 4th Street N 鈥� will enhance the institution鈥檚 comprehensive online education with immersive in-person learning opportunities. Excelsior is currently enrolling students in hybrid Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology degree programs for the Spring I Term, with classes beginning Jan. 5, 2026. The new St. Petersburg site offers hands-on learning and lab space for students in these vital fields, a brick-and-mortar complement to the institution鈥檚 history of innovation in distance and online education. Health care programming is planned to open to enrollment in early 2026.

, Excelsior is now offering pre-degree certification programs and select hybrid lab training aligned with in-demand careers in allied health and IT at the St. Petersburg site. This partnership offers students access to workforce-ready training programs and onramps to further education with Excelsior. From October to December, students in select certificate programs will have access to complimentary practical hands-on training to supplement their online learning.听听

With more than 200,000 graduates positively impacting communities around the globe, Excelsior鈥檚 expansion into hybrid learning is the next phase of its mission to provide accessible education to all learners.听听

鈥淢odern learners need flexibility,鈥� said 91吃瓜 President David Schejbal. 鈥淲hile many students thrive in a fully online classroom, 91吃瓜 St. Petersburg presents new opportunities for learners to build community and hone the practice-ready skills that the workforce demands. With this site, Excelsior delivers on its promise to meet students where they are 鈥� academically, geographically, in-person, or online.鈥�听

Headquartered in Albany, New York, Excelsior established its first on-ground learning site in St. Petersburg for many reasons. The site provides new opportunities for Excelsior faculty and staff to strengthen their connections with the large community of 500 current Excelsior students and nearly 17,000 alumni in Florida. With a strong focus on technology and health care, Excelsior鈥檚 programs are positioned to help learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in Florida鈥檚 major industries. With veterans and active-duty military students comprising more than 30% of its current enrollment, the institution鈥檚 long history of serving the nation鈥檚 service members makes 91吃瓜 St. Petersburg a destination for Florida’s military learners. More than three-quarters of Excelsior鈥檚 2024 technology program graduates were military-affiliated, driving the decision to bring hybrid versions of the cybersecurity and electrical engineering technology programs directly to this center of the military student population.听

For more information on 91吃瓜, visit excelsior.edu.

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Media contact 91吃瓜:
Erin Coufal,听ecoufal@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8498

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY听

Failing 101: How to Fail Well and Thrive in the Workplace

Posted on October 10, 2025October 16, 2025 by Sara Niemiec

Sara Niemiec, advancement operations specialist for Excelsior’s Development and Alumni Engagement team, co-presented at ‘s annual customer conference, bbcon, on Oct. 6, 2025. The presentation, titled “Failing 101: How to Fail Well and Thrive in the Workplace,” offers tips for turning setbacks into learning and growth opportunities.

View the presentation slides here.听

Sara Niemiec and co-presenters at the bbcon conference

Cyber Strength

Posted on October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 by Jenna Kerwin

After graduating from 91吃瓜 in 2023 with a master鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity, Jonathan Pichardo said his goal was to be at the forefront of the cyber age. He saw himself working as an advisor, helping people navigate the complexities of networks and software, as well as providing resources for those looking for answers. He鈥檚 now doing that in his full-time role at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Maryland, where he serves as a cyber operations technician and crew lead on the 169th Cyber Protection Team.

It鈥檚 been a busy couple of years for Pichardo, a native of the Bronx borough of New York City and a member of the Army National Guard. After completing his master鈥檚 degree, Pichardo attended the Warrant Officer Candidate Course at Fort Novosel (now Rucker), in Alabama. Upon completion of that course, he then applied for and attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course at the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, in Georgia. He then successfully became a cyber operations technician. He was then assigned to the 169th Cyber Protection Team for the Maryland Army National Guard, where he now leads cyber defensive operations for state and national operations.

A Cybersecurity Degree Was Worth It

Excelsior graduate courses in cybersecurity helped prepare Pichardo for his role in leadership opportunity. Many of the courses fell within the curriculum and covered the requirements he needed to become a cybersecurity specialist. His Excelsior studies also prepared him to qualify for the necessary certifications. 鈥淸My studies] helped me to prepare for a lot of CompTIA certifications and 鈥� kept me on the right track. 鈥� It鈥檚 actually opened a lot of doors for me,鈥� says Pichardo.

When he completed his schooling at Warrant Officer Candidate School in February 2025, Pichardo landed his current role as a cyber operations technician maintaining and monitoring defense and offense operations as well as network architecture and aiding in cyber operations planning. The position gives him the opportunity to hold various positions within the field and develop subject matter expertise.

Evolving to Face New Cyberthreats

Pichardo鈥檚 interest in cybersecurity also led him to attend the cybersecurity doctoral program at Capital Technology University. He鈥檚 working on a dissertation about implementing artificial intelligence within the cyber operations technician role and exploring how the Army can use AI in defensive and offensive operations and day-to-day technologies. For example, the Army now uses a private network instead of the commercial internet. With the integration of AI, accessing any military site on your home computer can be streamlined.

鈥淭he integration of AI and cyber operations is figuring out a way to make that process simple, secure, and efficient for everybody working at home,鈥� Pichardo says. 鈥淭he Army鈥檚 going to see a big, big change in security and vulnerability risk.鈥�

To be ready for future challenges and opportunities, Pichardo wants to keep growing in the field of cybersecurity. 鈥淚 want to continue teaching myself as much as I can. … [Cybersecurity] is constantly changing: new updates, new software, new integrations, new implementations.鈥�

Deployments Spur Interest in Defensive Operations

It was his deployments to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 that ignited Pichardo鈥檚 interest in cybersecurity. Assigned to air defense operations, he explored the intricate connections among air defense systems, computer systems, and configuration systems. The experience piqued his curiosity. 鈥淒oing the hands-on portion of it is what actually gave me a little interest, and I started looking into different career fields in the military,鈥� he says.

It was during this time that Pichardo began his journey into higher education, and he discovered 91吃瓜 (then College). A military friend had told him about Excelsior鈥檚 flexible online courses and how the school understands the needs of military personnel. 鈥淵ou know, the staff, the faculty, the professors, they were all very military friendly. It was easier for me to start the [admissions] process based on [a friend] who had the prior experience,鈥� Pichardo recalls.

Excelsior鈥檚 online format made his learning experience seamless, and he effectively managed his coursework alongside his military commitments. Pichardo earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in November 2020 and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity in February 2023.

Pichardo has sometimes faced complex challenges on his career path. Attending Excelsior, pursuing Warrant Officer Candidate School, and studying for his doctoral program has sometimes meant putting friends and family on hold. With the help of mentors and scheduled chats and get-togethers with his loved ones, Pichardo has balanced the various demands in his life.

His determination has shown his family that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Pichardo is the first member of his family to earn a bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree, and he has inspired family members to pursue their education goals. His wife returned to school and recently completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree with Excelsior. Their son is also pursuing the ROTC program in high school. 鈥淸Earning my degrees has set] a foundation for my family and then the generations to come,鈥� says Pichardo. 鈥淚 feel like the completion of my degree, my studies, opened the whole landscape for me.鈥�

91吃瓜 kicks off 2025 Snacks for Students collection drive

Posted on October 7, 2025October 7, 2025 by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� 91吃瓜 has partnered with Albany High School and Troy High School for the fourth annual Snacks for Students collection drive. Led by Excelsior鈥檚 employee community engagement group, the initiative fights food insecurity in the classroom by collecting and donating healthy snacks to students each month of the 2025-26 school year. With the support of the Excelsior community, the community engagement group made the first Snacks for Students drop-off of approximately 600 items to the two schools.听听

During the last school year, 91吃瓜鈥檚 Snacks for Students program supplied approximately 3,500 snacks over seven monthly deliveries to Albany and Troy High Schools. Driven by donations from Excelsior staff and faculty, Snacks for Students provides teachers with a variety of healthful items like granola bars, bottled water and fruit snacks to distribute as needed to help students focus on education instead of hunger.鈥€�听听

Those interested in supporting the program may send donations directly to Excelsior for distribution via an鈥�. Items can be set up using the 鈥渟ubscribe and save鈥� feature for easy monthly contributions that are shipped directly to Excelsior鈥檚 mailroom. Community donations will also be collected through a fundraiser organized in collaboration with Paesan鈥檚 Pizza on Oct. 22. Paesan鈥檚 will donate 50% of that day鈥檚 proceeds from pick-up orders at their Guilderland location to Snacks for Students when diners mention 91吃瓜 or the Snacks for Students program. Organizations interested in donating to the program can email communications@excelsior.edu for more information.听听

鈥淭he Snacks for Students program provides more than nutrition鈥攊t鈥檚 about fostering relationships and supporting education,鈥� said 91吃瓜 community engagement group co-chair Zachary Patterson. 鈥淪omething as simple as a granola bar or bottle of water can create a connection between a teacher and student. We look forward to growing this initiative to serve more classrooms this year.鈥�听

鈥淪nacks for Students exemplifies 91吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to becoming a multicultural institution that actively promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion,鈥� said Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer of 91吃瓜. 鈥淭his program is a meaningful way to extend that mission into the broader Capital Region community. We deeply appreciate the collaboration with Albany and Troy High Schools and thank the Excelsior and Capital Region communities for their continued support.鈥�听

Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. According to the USDA, children in 3.2 million U.S. households were food insecure in 2023. demonstrates that students struggling with food insecurity face significant barriers to academic success.鈥�听

Snacks for Students deliveries will be made through June 2026.鈥�听

# # #鈥�听

Media Contact 91吃瓜:鈥�
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY鈥�听

91吃瓜 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.鈥�听

What Is Phishing?

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by Excelsior Staff

Phishing is a common cybercrime that involves tricking people to share passwords, credit card numbers, and/or personal details that criminals use to steal valuable data and assets and to gain control of systems to plant malware. Scammers know the best time to phish is when victims least expect it.

Here鈥檚 how phishing works: The criminal sends an email, text message, or social media message from what may look like a known and trusted sender, getting the target to accept it as legitimate, act fast, often without thinking, and share critical information. Once a cybercriminal breaks in, they can wreak havoc.

Losses can be massive. Accessing sensitive company systems can shut down operations and lead to the theft of assets, intellectual property, and valuable data. With such high stakes coupled with the wide variety and sheer volume of phishing attempts, the need for a comprehensive approach to thwarting this insidious form of cybercrime has never been greater.

What Are Some Phishing Techniques?

Phishing takes many forms, using techniques that are always adapting. Understanding the types and techniques of these cyberattacks is the first step in developing cybersecurity best practices for dealing with them.

Email/Spam

Email exploits are where most phishing attacks start. The target gets a message that appears to come from a source they know and trust, like a bank, online retailer, service provider, or even a co-worker. Emails may contain links to fake websites, or they may have malicious attachments that trick recipients into revealing vital information or inadvertently installing malware.

Spear Phishing

Spear fishing uses personalized messages to enhance the appearance of legitimacy. They may reference names, job titles, or recent events or transactions, all to increase the likelihood a recipient will take the bait and click.

Text (Smishing)

Smishing, using short message service (SMS) platforms to phish, exploits texts to trick targets with fake delivery notices, bank alerts, or prize notifications. All include links to fraudulent websites. People often respond to these urgent texts without thinking, opening their mobile devices to fraudsters.

Social Engineering

Social engineering uses manipulations that play on human nature instead of technical vulnerabilities. Attackers use phone calls, social media, or even face-to-face interactions to pose as a trusted figure with the goal of gaining access to systems, data, and financial assets.

Malware

Although some phishing attacks seek to directly steal data and assets, others are designed to install malicious software on systems to either hijack them, set up a long-term data theft exploit, or worm their way from one sensitive system to another. Malware comes in many forms.

Trojans

A Trojan is malware that looks like a legitimate application, document, or file. Once downloaded, it opens to let the cybercriminals run amok. Trojans can steal data, upload additional malware, install trackers, and give attackers full control of your device and sometimes the systems connected to it.

Keyloggers

These programs record every keystroke a user makes to capture usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, mothers鈥� maiden names, and other valuable information. They are a form of malware that comes from downloads, email attachments, or visiting infected websites.

Cybersecurity Techniques to Thwart Phishing

Stopping phishing attacks and protecting systems and data requires a combination of technology, training, and constant vigilance. The United Kingdom鈥檚 prescribes four layers of mitigation:

Prevention

Stopping an attack before it starts is the best way to protect information and assets. Awareness of how attacks start can address the human element. Limiting the amount of personal information available on your site gives would-be attackers less material to use for social engineering. Technologies that filter emails, require multifactor authentication, and monitor domains can reduce the number of malicious email and texts that get into inboxes. Security tools at login locations or data transfers points can effectively thwart attacks. Tools that detect intrusions and anti-malware software can spot potential attacks as they happen.

Detection

The faster an attack is discovered, the sooner a response can be mounted, ideally limiting the damage caused. Employee training also plays a large role, helping users to not only keep from falling prey to cybercrime but also quickly report phishing attempts, whether failed or successful. Fostering a no-blame culture that encourages timely reporting is key.

Mitigation

It鈥檚 unrealistic to think you鈥檒l prevent every cyberattack, so organizations also need a strategy for limiting the damage cybercriminals can do if the first line of defense fails. Isolating devices and systems attacked, revoking usernames and passwords, and blocking malicious websites can limit the damage. Adding layers of security throughout a system, such as multifactor authentication, password managers, and alternate forms of authentication like biometrics can also be effective.

Response

Acting as fast as possible to protect systems and data is the first priority. Getting systems back up and running and restoring uncorrupted data keeps organizations operating. Timely detection is key. Software can be used to monitor systems for breaches, but this is where your culture of reporting will pay dividends.

However, detection is just the beginning; you must also create an effective system for users to log reports. And your organization needs a well-rehearsed response plan in place to take timely action. An after-incident report will help the organization strengthen its defenses to prevent repeat attacks.

Join the Front Lines of Cyber Defense Against Phishing

Phishing is a gateway cybercrime鈥攖he open door to most major digital exploits. Cybercriminals are growing more sophisticated, powering the need for people with cybersecurity skills. A career in technology, specifically in cybersecurity, is one that pays off in plentiful jobs, interesting roles, and increasing pay. With a cybersecurity degree, you鈥檒l find opportunities in business, government, and nonprofits, protecting them against evolving threats.

91吃瓜 has been designated a by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, and it is home to the National Cybersecurity Institute. Excelsior鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity provides you with the skills and practical training to thrive and lead in the field as well as take certification exams like CEH or Security+. The BS in Cybersecurity program doesn鈥檛 just prepare you to deal with the threats facing our world today, like phishing; it prepares you to protect organizations from the cyberthreats yet to emerge, helping you take your place on the front lines of cyber defense.

Lila鈥檚 Career Choice: Choosing the Best Career Path through Exploration: A Short Story

Posted on September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 by Zeketra Grandy

Zeketra Grandy, instructional faculty for 91吃瓜’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, published a story titled “Lila’s Career Choice: Choosing the Best Career Path through Exploration” in The Pinnacle: A Journal by Scholar-Practitioners. The story highlights career exploration, internal conflict, choosing the right career, and the journey to learning who you are as a professional. The purpose is to use creative writing to teach career planning and management through characters who resemble the students and their experiences as adult learners, helping them to navigate their education and career decisions.

How Professional, Continuing and Online Units Can Leverage AI to Transform Student Engagement

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Priyo Chatterjee

Priyo Chatterjee, chief analytics officer for 91吃瓜, was interviewed on the In the episode, titled “How Professional, Continuing and Online (PCO) Units Can Leverage AI to Transform Student Engagement,” Priyo speaks with host Amrit Ahluwalia about Excelsior’s Analytics and Data Science team leverage AI to drive a student engagement strategy that supports learners from prospects through to degree completion.

Analyzing Small Sample Sizes After Disaggregation: Exploring Observation Oriented Modeling for Assessing Learning Outcomes

Posted on September 15, 2025November 5, 2025 by Joe Levy

Joe Levy, associate vice provost of accreditation and quality improvement at 91吃瓜, co-authored a journal article in Research & Practice in Assessment titled “Analyzing Small Sample Sizes After Disaggregation: Exploring Observation Oriented Modeling for Assessing Learning Outcomes.” With co-authors J. Vincent Nix, Yi-Chin, Wu, and Lan Misty Song, Levy conducted a study comparing null hypothesis significance test (NHST) 鈥� the traditional statistical method assessment professionals commonly rely upon for analysis 鈥� with the alternative Observation Oriented Modeling (OOM) technique. The study found that alternative analytical tools can help instructors glean meaningful results from difficult-to-analyze data, improving course design and materials.

Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice

Posted on September 15, 2025September 15, 2025 by Joe Levy

Joe Levy, 91吃瓜 associate vice provost for accreditation and quality improvement, co-wrote the book “Foundations of Assessment: From Theory to Practice.” In the work, assessment experts Levy and Natasha Jankowski thoughtfully explore assessment across both academic and student affairs, highlighting equitable strategies to demonstrate the transformative potential of assessment to enhance student learning outcomes, support institutional decision-making, and ensure continuous quality improvement in higher education. With insights drawn from extensive research and work with more than 300 institutions, this text prepares graduate students and practitioners to make informed choices around assessment.

How to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance While Earning Your Degree

Posted on September 12, 2025September 12, 2025 by Jenna Kerwin

Earning a degree can be a great step in improving your personal and professional lives. But it can also feel like you鈥檙e walking on a tightrope! It can be hard to balance classes, exams, and assignments with work, family responsibilities, and self-care.

Going to school isn鈥檛 just about getting a degree; it鈥檚 about staying healthy and avoiding major burnout along the way. It might seem impossible to maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing your education, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can thrive in your academic and听personal lives.

7 Tips for Cultivating a Healthy Work-Life Balance

If you鈥檙e not sure how to survive the world of academia combined with work and home life, don鈥檛 worry. We鈥檝e got plenty of tips to help you maintain your sanity and your relationships, all while succeeding at school.

Set Boundaries

Right off the bat, you should lay down some boundaries for yourself. to outrageous requests of your time, especially to ones that will overwhelm you. For example, don鈥檛 plan to study 10 hours straight with only a half-hour break. Likewise, practice saying no to those friends who want you to skip doing your homework so you can go with them to that new pub instead.

Compartmentalize Your Tasks

Learning to compartmentalize your tasks is also a good way to avoid burnout as a student. Try creating mental and physical spaces for different activities. For instance, have a set space and time for studying, for your decompression time, and for hanging out with family and friends. When you separate these areas, you can prevent them from negatively impacting one another.

Earn your degree on your time and at your pace with 91吃瓜.

Manage Your Time

Many of the study tips you鈥檒l find involve time management. Learning how to set reasonable study hours, when to set time aside for homework, and how to submit your assignments on time are all important to your success. That being said, learn to make the most of your time. Try the Pomodoro technique or ask family members for help.

Collaborate

Building supportive networks is a good way to ease your stress and avoid burnout, too. Forming study groups so you can review homework and study for exams together, asking fellow classmates or professors for help when you need it, and remembering to participate in social activities with clubs or your friends are excellent ways to stay connected to others and grounded in your academic career.

Make Your Health a Priority

Making sure your is in top form is key to work-life balance. When exercising, eating right, and maintaining a healthy mind get pushed aside in preference for all-night studying sessions, it can be detrimental to your health. Maintaining a nutritious diet, physical activity, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, spending time outside, and practicing mindfulness can boost overall well-being and reduce stress.

Find Help If You Need It

Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for help. If you get stuck on a tricky assignment or need a study buddy to prepare for an upcoming exam, ask a friend or family member to help. If you don鈥檛 understand some material in your courses, ask your professor or an academic advisor for some one-on-one time.

Make Time to Relax

A major aspect of prioritizing your health is . All that stress you鈥檙e feeling builds up in your shoulders. Treat yourself to a massage and relax! Or draw yourself a bubble bath. Not into that? How about just vegging out in front of your favorite movie? The point is to release the tension and stress that鈥檚 built up from studying so much. You鈥檝e done a lot; it鈥檚 time for a break.

Find Your Balance with Excelsior

Finding the right institution of higher education to match your academic goals is important, but so is choosing one that helps you maintain your work-life balance. 91吃瓜 meets students where they are, academically and geographically, offering 100% online courses students can take on their time so they can fit their studies into their already busy lives. We offer more than 45 degree and certificate programs across six areas of study, so students can choose the path that鈥檚 right for them. And with dedicated student advisors, help is only a phone call or email away.

If you鈥檙e looking for the right university for you, contact Admissions and learn how Excelsior can help you achieve your goals in the way that works best for you.