Our Approach

The degree program of study offered by Excel College has been declared exempt from the requirements for licensure, under provisions of North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d) for exemption from licensure with respect to religious education. Exemption from licensure is not based upon assessment of program quality under established licensing standards.

Why Not Accreditation?

Two simple reasons: fruit and freedom. For decades we asked the question - does the traditional system of accreditation produce the fruit that we are looking for in our young people? If not, does it allow the freedom to innovate and develop models that might better produce the fruit we are looking for? On both counts, we've found the answer to be "no".

$1.6 Trillion

in cumulative student loan debt

73% of Graduates

are currently not working in the field of their major

70% of Christian

students report confusion about Jesus or walking away from the faith

A Critique of the Current System

What's wrong with the current system of higher education?

We've Come Up With A Better Way

Excel College has chosen the religious exemption route for the freedom it offers us to pursue educational excellence through a new, innovative approach. Our exemption status under the state of North Carolina allows us to issue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies, Integrated Economy, and Critical Thinking to students who complete the program. It is an OUTCOME based approach to education where each student selects an emphasis to focus on through real life education (i.e. apprenticeships, internships, or independent research study.

In every industry, if you don't evolve and innovate to meet the needs of the current age, you will be disrupted or become extinct altogether. Higher education is no different. The world is experiencing an unprecedented openness to innovation in educational theory, methods, and practices and we believe now is the time for higher education to undergo the same kind of innovation most other modern industries have gone through.

Excel College: Innovation in Education

It's time for innovation in the current system of higher education.

48%

Student Financial Responsibility

22%

Parent Financial Match

30%

Partner & School Scholarship Match

Our Way: The 5-Pursuits of a Flourishing Life

We believe human flourishing is achieved through the pursuit of Godly wisdom, maturity, and productivity, and true education should do more than attain cognitive knowledge or merely accumulate information, data, and facts. Instead, it should seek to develop the whole person and produce adults capable of flourishing intellectually, spiritually, practically, professionally, and missionally. Adults who are wise, mature, and productive — not just productive. In short, education should be holistic.

1. Intellectual

Learn to love God with your mind and understand the common human calling in our Core Program: a modular, sequential approach inspired by what has been traditionally called, "The Liberal Arts".

2. Spiritual

Deepen your relationship with Jesus and increase your spiritual maturity as you walk through the Biblical Narrative, receive one-on-one mentoring & discipleship, and establish a firm foundation based upon Biblical truth.

3. Practical

Discover how to maintain a home, build a budget, pursue healthy relationships, exercise, cook... the list goes on. Prepare for success by pursuing excellence in all areas of life.

4. Professional

Prepare for the professional world by focusing on marketplace development, pairing with a coach and choosing a professional "emphasis" from which to exercise your personal unique gatherings.

5. Missional

Learn to live life on a mission 24/7 at home, in your city, and even cross-culturally in the world around you.

The Laboratory of Life

It’s the uniquely human pastime of wonder-filled pondering that launches us on the voyage of discovery that we call learning.

2

phases of learning

36

months of
growth

Phase 1: The Core

Build a foundation for the rest of your life as you journey with your cohort through what has been traditionally called, “the Liberal Arts”  and come to understand our common human calling.

Phase 2: The Practicum

Discover and pursue your personal kingdom calling through hands on experience in the field of your choice. All while you: live in community, flourish through discipleship, and grow by experiential learning.

More About Phase 1:The Core

Curious as to what the Phase 1: Core Curriculum is like? Take a listen as our lead facilitator takes us on the student journey through the Core - one module at a time! From Theology to Biology to Art, learn why our curriculum flows the way it does to show the unity, diversity, and relationality of the Creator himself.

More About Phase 2: Practicum

What exactly is a "practicum"? What does this look like practically for the students? We're glad you asked. In this episode, we've brought on Excel's Practicum Coordinator, Nicole Murray, to give some insight as to why we do a Practicum Phase, how it's structured, and some examples of what it looks like for several students.

Introduction to Excel College's Core Curriculum

Excel College’s unique Sequenced Modular Core Curriculum takes students on a journey of discovery through our Core Courses one subject at a time in a sequence that follows the divine flow of the biblical narrative.

April & September 2025 Enrollment Options Available

Testimonials

Excel college is such an amazing community full of wonderful, godly people. The program is like no other, and I can say without a doubt that I’ve grown so much as a person since the start of the school year. My transition from Challenge IV to the Core was everything I hoped it would be. I especially love the Socratic discussions that we’ve had, as they remind me of the many meaningful conversations that I had with my fellow Challenge students. I would absolutely encourage graduating C.C. students to consider Excel College as an option for their future education! The adventure awaits!

Natalie

Kabazzi

C7 Student, 2022

I am currently a student at Excel College working towards my Bachelors degree, and it is the best decision I have ever made! I have so much gratitude for this community, curriculum, and discipleship-hearted leaders. God is in every inch of this place, from the warm smiles of the people you encounter to the rich materials and teachings in and out of the classroom. Excel is so much more than just a degree, this place has shown me what it means to be the Church, to be a people of love, family, and Kingdom. This is abundant life; it is life to the fullest. I have been greatly challenged, inspired, and encouraged. Most of all, I have been loved by every single student and staff member on this campus. None of this can even begin to describe how incredible this program is. It is something that can only be experienced, that's how transformative this curriculum is.

Keturah

Manwaring

C6 Student, 2021

The Excel college has literally changed my life. This is way more than a college, it is a building ground for a foundation that will steward your life for generations to come. It’s a place filled with the Spirit of God, the most intentional leadership, and a place of real discipleship.

Josiah

Cole

C7 Student, 2022

At Excel College, I experienced challenge and growth like I could never have imagined. The Core Curriculum led me into a newfound love for God and His Creation as I learned to see him and His world rightly. I came to see life as a WHOLE instead of a collection of PARTS and this laid a foundation for wisdom that will guide me for the rest of my life. My life is fueled by a passion to see and relate rightly with God, his creation, myself and my neighbor and has led me into a position where I get to partner with His Spirit in leading the next generation into the same revelation.

Isaiah

Schmidt

C2 Alumni, 2017

The Excel College Program is exactly what I have been looking for over the last few years in regards to completing my degree. I have been able to use my previous experience as a Squad Leader for the World Race and Intern with G42 Leadership Academy to begin to fulfill my Phase 2 requirements for my emphasis in Community and Program Development. I have already had the opportunity to work alongside leaders at Excel in developing and refining programs for youth and young adults. Excel College’s holistic approach to education and living has already made an impact in my life and I look forward to the growth I get to continue experiencing here professionally and personally.

Nicole

Murray

C6 Student, 2021

I came for community, and found family. I came for discipleship, and received a network of people who poured into me. I came for a place to live, and found new life. Hands down the most educational, loving, and excellent place to learn how to flourish. I'm now in the Practicum phase, with an emphasis in product development and finding myself hungry to learn more and engage in deep conversation with those who are equally hungry. Nonetheless,my time in Excel has been and continues to be a once in a lifetime experience.

Stephen

Barton

C6 Student, 2021
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