Class Action Suit Hits at Core of Popular Online Nursing Program - Higher Education: In February, 17 students from 11 states filed a class-action lawsuit against Excelsior College alleging some details of the distance learning program for the accredited nursing associate degree (ADN) were withheld and others misleading. The students, who are seeking $10 million in damages, claim they were not given adequate details about fees and failure rates prior to enrolling. They further claim Excelsior was motivated by profit because students pay an annual registration fee and also have to pay to retake the final exam.
Although not part of the initial complaint, allegations have also been raised about racial bias in the administration of the final exam.
It is noted on Excelsior’s website: “Excelsior’s unique exam-based program is specifically designed to provide a pathway to a nursing degree for LPNs (licensed practical nurses), LVNs (licensed vocational nurses), paramedics, and individuals who hold degrees in clinically oriented health care fields.”
