Student Satisfaction and Achievement
In addition to learning outcomes and accreditation, Thomas Edison State University assesses its institutional performance by examining the satisfaction and achievements of our students and graduates.
Student Satisfaction
- 93 percent of recent graduates* and 94 percent of 5 year out alumni** give the University a rating of "Excellent" or "Good".
- 86 percent of graduates reported that the University prepared them for life-long learning.**
- 86 percent of graduates reported that the University had a positive impact on their career.**
- 95 percent of recent graduates* and 92 percent of 5 year out alumni** have or would recommend the University to others.
*Source: FY 2023 Thomas Edison State University Survey of Recent Graduates – Undergraduate Level
**Source: FY 2020 Thomas Edison State University Five-Year Out Graduate Survey
Student Achievement
- Between 2019 and 2023, graduates of the University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, who took their Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), achieved an average first-time pass rate of 94.56%.
Source: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/NCLEX-RN.aspx
Time to Graduate Information
Most Thomas Edison State University students are working adults who attend school part-time while managing their professional and personal responsibilities. Since Thomas Edison State University students are primarily non first-time, part-time students, the time it takes them to complete a degree varies widely and depends largely on the following two factors:
- How many transfer credits they are able to apply to their degree program
- How much time they can commit to earning the credits required to finish their degree
The following information illustrates the completion patterns of students who completed a degree from Thomas Edison State University in FY 2024:
| Degree | 1 yr or less | 2 yrs | 3 yrs | 4 yrs | 5 yrs | 6 yrs | 7 yrs | 8 yrs | 9 yrs | 10 or more yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 22% | 24% | 10% | 13% | 7% | 6% | 4% | 3% | 3% | 8% |
| Bachelor | 17% | 18% | 15% | 11% | 9% | 6% | 4% | 3% | 3% | 14% |
| Master | 11% | 32% | 20% | 16% | 7% | 2% | 4% | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Doctorate | – | 6% | 79% | 15% | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Mean Time to Degree: Associate = 4.1, Baccalaureate = 5.0, Master’s = 3.5, and Doctorate = 3.2
Source: The Office of Institutional Research, Thomas Edison State University, Year End Data Files, Aug. 2024
Student Retention and Persistence Information
According to the University's FY 2021 Persistence Survey, the most common reasons reported by students for leaving Thomas Edison State University before completing a degree were external factors not associated with the institution. The primary reasons for stopping out include:
- Financial issues: 53%
- Work-related issues: 57%
- Personal, health or family issues: 52%
According to the University’s FY 2023 Graduate Survey – Undergraduate Level:
- 83% of graduates who had stopped out before returning to the institution reported there was nothing the University could have done to help them remain enrolled without interruption
- 89% of graduates who had stopped out before returning to the institution reported there was nothing the University could have done to help facilitate their return
Outcomes Measure Report
Note: Students enrolled at Thomas Edison State University are primarily Non-First Time, Part Time students.
Prepared by: The Office of Institutional Research, Thomas Edison State University, Sept. 2024.
Source: FY 2025 IPEDS Outcome Measures Submission, FY 2017 Cohort Award and Enrollment status at Eight Years.