College-Bound Students Can Earn Free College Credit Through New Credit-by-Exam Program, UExcel(TM)

BLOOMINGTON, MN, Oct 23 (MARKET WIRE) --
College-bound students now have a new option when it comes to getting
ahead in college and saving money on tuition. Two leading education
organizations, Pearson and Excelsior College, are launching a new
credit-by-exam program called UExcel(TM). The UExcel program can help
students turn their knowledge into college or university credit by taking
and passing a computer-based examination through Pearson's global network
of testing centers. Students who pass the UExcel exam will receive
college credit from Excelsior College, which they may then transfer to
the higher education institution of their choice. The program is
currently in its beta phase and, for a limited time, is offering students
the opportunity to take UExcel exams in the areas of Calculus, Physics,
Political Science and Psychology for free (exams have a retail value of
$85USD).

Pearson and Excelsior College joined together to develop the exams after
recognizing a growing trend in the number of students (and parents)
looking for ways to save money on tuition costs. In addition, studies
show that more high school and college students are now pressed to find
better ways to prepare for college. UExcel can help students assess their
ability to handle college-level coursework.

"Pearson is committed to helping make education affordable and the UExcel
program directly addresses the issue of rising tuition costs," said Robert
Whelan, president of Pearson VUE. "Students can fulfill general
requirements by passing computer-based exams in different subject areas
for a fraction of the equivalent tuition costs. It also allows students to
maintain focus on their primary area of study."

"UExcel offers an affordable, convenient way for students to earn college
credit," said John F. Ebersole, president of Excelsior College. "The
program was designed with paramount focus on candidate accessibility and
convenience. UExcel examinations are available throughout the year at test
centers around the world. We've developed a program that doesn't limit who
receives college credit -- whether you're homeschooled or an adult
learner, a student attending a U.S. high school or an international
student wanting to pursue higher education in the United States, this
program provides the same great benefits to everyone."

Students who are interested in taking a free UExcel beta exam can visit
the UExcel Web site for more information. Students should use the promo
code CREDIT and are encouraged to register quickly, as this offer will
only be available during beta testing. At the completion of the beta
period, all beta testers who pass the exams will receive the appropriate
transfer credit. Students can take a beta exam in more than one subject.

About UExcel

UExcel is a credit-by-exam program created by Pearson (www.Pearson.com)
and Excelsior College (www.Excelsior.edu) to help students prepare for
college by earning credit for the knowledge they already have. UExcel is
ideal for anyone looking to save time and tuition costs.

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Pearson PR Contact:
Adam Gaber
Phone +1-212-641-6118
Email Contact

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