Liberty Bank, Excelsior University Partner to Provide Pathway to an Affordable Higher Education

Collaborative Agreement Offers Tuition Discount for Eligible Liberty Employees & Customers

Liberty Bank of Middletown, Connecticut today announced a new educational partnership with Excelsior University of Albany, New York. The partnership provides pathways to affordable higher education for eligible employees, their spouses or domestic partners, and Liberty customers.The Liberty Team worked closely with representatives from Excelsior University to shape an agreement that will provide a 20% special discount off standard tuition rates for eligible employees, and their spouses or domestic partners, who wish to pursue associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees from Excelsior. In addition, a 10% discount off standard tuition rates will be available to customers who have a banking relationship with Liberty and enroll in an Excelsior degree program.Customers interested in learning more about Excelsior University and taking advantage of the 10% off standard tuition should visit https://www.excelsior.edu/partner/liberty-bank-customers/ or call 844-843-9296.Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit distance learning institution founded in 1971 focused on providing higher education to adult learners. Excelsior offers more than 35 degree programs across six areas of study: business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service, and technology. The University comprises three schools: School of Undergraduate Studies, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Nursing.“Our partnership with Excelsior University allows us to offer quality, affordable education to our teammates which develops them both personally and professionally. It’s a true win/win that advances our strategic initiative to better attract, develop and retain diverse talent,” said Paul S. Young, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Bank. “This agreement also shows that Liberty can mean more to our customers than just being their bank of choice. We have found a way to become an essential partner in making higher education opportunities more affordable for them while creating greater value for the communities we serve.”Excelsior University and Liberty will explore potential customized curricula in specific disciplines tailored to the skills and competencies the Bank needs from its employees. Excelsior will also review Liberty’s internal employee training programs for possible college credit that can be applied to the University’s degree programs.“We are honored to be partnering with Liberty Bank to provide their employees with affordable opportunities to continue learning, earn degrees, and advance personal and career goals,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University “We are pleased to partner with Liberty Bank because of their commitment to their employees and communities. In an economy that is undergoing significant changes, strategic partnerships between employers and universities, like this one between Excelsior and Liberty, are essential to expanding opportunities for all.  We look forward to deepening our relationship with Liberty and to serving their education needs.”Excelsior's generous transfer policy allows eligible employees and customers to earn their degree by maximizing the transfer of credits from a variety of approved sources. Along with the flexibility to complete courses online, there are six start dates throughout the year, saving students time and money.“As a highly ranked online institution, we pride ourselves in helping people pursue their education while managing their busy lives. Our flexible programs and courses help learners of all ages meet their education goals quickly and affordably,” Schejbal added.“I’m proud to announce that Liberty and Excelsior are taking a leading role in our communities to deliver an affordable pathway to higher education.” Young said. “Our partnership with Excelsior University perfectly aligns with our mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates and communities for generations to come.”Liberty Bank and Excelsior are offering discounted tuition program to eligible employees and customers effective immediately. About Liberty BankEstablished in 1825, Liberty Bank is one of the oldest and largest mutual banks in the country. With more than $7.4 billion in assets, Liberty has 56 banking offices across Connecticut and one in Massachusetts. As a full-service financial institution, Liberty offers consumer and commercial banking, cash management, home mortgages, business loans, insurance and investment services. Named ‘Top Workplace’ by the Hartford Courant every year since 2012 and designated a 2021 and 2022 Best-In-State Bank in Connecticut by Forbes Magazine, Liberty maintains a longstanding commitment to superior personal service and unparalleled community involvement. For more information on Liberty Bank, visit www.liberty-bank.com. About Excelsior UniversityExcelsior University 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 — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.