Fast Facts at a Glance

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Chartered in 1972, Thomas Edison State University is one of New Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher learning and one of the oldest schools in the country designed specifically for adults.

The University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in more than 100 areas of study as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. The New Jersey State Library is an affiliate of the University.

Accreditation

Enrollment

Approximately 13,866 students served.

More than 64,295 cumulative degrees awarded.

Student Profile

The average student age is 35. The student body represents residents from all 50 states and approximately 60 countries throughout the world.

Earning Credit for What You Already Know

  • Examination programs, including Thomas Edison Credit-by-Examination Program (TECEP) and others, such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Professional and military training, including programs evaluated by the American Council for Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service
  • Professional licenses, certifications and corporate courses reviewed by the Office of Professional Learning Review (OPLR)
  • Portfolio assessment, which demonstrates college-level knowledge acquired outside the classroom

Transferring Credits

Students may transfer credits earned from other regionally accredited colleges and universities:

  • If you studied at an accepted institutionally accredited community college, you may apply up to 90 credits.
  • If you studied at a regionally accredited four-year institution, you may fulfill all your degree requirements with transfer credit except the two required courses from TESU:
    • SOS-1100: Critical Information Literacy
    • Capstone course
  • If you have studied at more than one institution, the University can accept your credits, provided the institutions are regionally accredited.

Taking Courses

  • Online courses — require the completion of assignments, examinations and final projects, and also require participation in online discussions
    • Guided Study courses — completed independently using textbooks, DVDs, streaming online video and other course materials
  • e-Pack courses — online self-assessments that help independent learners master course material in preparation for a final examination

Serving the U.S. Military and Veterans

The Office of Military and Veteran Enrollment and Outreach serves active duty, guard, reserve and veterans of the U.S. military. The University’s Military Degree Completion Program enables military students to engage in degree programs wherever they are stationed or deployed. The University enables veterans and their families to maximize their GI education benefits.

Building Partnerships

The Office of Strategic Partnerships develops corporate partnerships with businesses that maximize tuition assistance programs.