Coast Guard Students
Top Five Coast Guard Degree Options
The below are our five most popular degrees, which generally represent the most open or flexible options for our Coast Guardsmen, based on their experience. Does a program below fit your needs? If so, we invite you to apply, as we can get you started quickly, and free of charge.
- Associate in Applied Science in
- Electrical/Mechanical Systems and Maintenance
- Applied Electronic Studies
- Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate in Science in Electronics Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Bachelor of Science in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology
Not connecting with the above, or looking for a more specialized route? We realize every service member is unique and as such, you may be looking for a degree that reflects this. Browse our more than 100 available degree programs.
Our Promise to You
In order to ensure your success in completing your degree, Thomas Edison State University strives to meet or exceed the following Principles of Excellence, as established under Presidential Executive Order 13607.
- Up-front and transparent pricing in order to gain a better understanding of the total cost of education.
- Minimize out-of-pocket expenses by identifying potential military and veteran education benefits.
- A no-pressure, self-determined educational experience, emphasizing degree completion over institutional compensation.
- Delivering only high quality accredited educational programs.
- A seamless readmission process, should a service member experience an interruption to their education.
- Accommodations for our deployed Service members should they need to drop or extend a course as a result of service in the field.
- Academic evaluations outlining degree requirements, credits that have been earned and a clear path to completion.
- From application to registration, each student is assigned a dedicated enrollment counselor who is there to help.
Thomas Edison State University is a participating institution with the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DoD MOU). We provide the following information and resources to ensure military and veteran students, and their families, make an informed decision about the university they plan to attend.
Please visit the The College Scorecard and The College Navigator, provided by the U.S. Department of Education, for statistics and information about colleges and universities that you may find helpful.
Meet Our Team
Ryan Nabors
Regional Base Representative
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2022
Phone: 609-777-5696, ext. 4529 | Send a message
Ryan began his career in military education in 2009, when he worked for the federal Veterans Affairs. He was responsible for the payments to colleges and universities for post-9/11 veterans. In 2022, Ryan served as a regional base representative serving the Pacific Northwest for Thomas Edison State University.
Ryan graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. He also attended Troy University for his Master of Science in International Relations with a concentration in National Security Affairs. He pursued his second master’s degree with Thomas Edison State University, where he graduated with a Master of Management in Organizational Leadership.
What He Has to Say
The higher education field is very rewarding and constantly changing. As a former "Coastie," he likes working with students to help them further their education and careers. His favorite job with Thomas Edison State University is conducting outreach and meeting with prospective students. While stationed at TRACEN Cape May, he met a counselor from TESU and that meeting was instrumental in him attending the University.
Why It Matters
Chartered by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education in 1972, Thomas Edison State University pioneered and established distance-learning options, long before "online" became our present everyday reality. We have not been idle through the years, as we have also worked to take full advantage of your military training and experience by developing competitive and relevant degree programs, which enable you to transfer the maximum amount of credit for your military experience and transfer credit.
Financial Aid and Financial Planning Resources
All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, which can be used in conjunction with Tuition Assistance and Veterans Education Benefits.
Thomas Edison State University has established scholarships to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. Active Duty, Reserve, and Air or Army National Guard service members, their spouses and dependents, Veterans and wounded warriors.
These free resources can help you understand your financial cost and benefits available for attending Thomas Edison State University:
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College Financing Plan (CFP)
Thomas Edison State University provides a College Financing Plan (CFP) formerly known as Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to help you estimate the cost of attending Thomas Edison State University during the current Academic Year, and identify potential sources of financial aid so you can easily compare Thomas Edison State University with other institutions and make an informed decision about where to attend school. This tool is provided as part of Thomas Edison State University’s commitment to the Principles of Excellence under Presidential Executive Order 13607 and the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DoD MOU).
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Paying for College
Paying For College is a resource provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to explain the ins and outs of student financial aid and repaying loans to help you make smarter decisions about how to pay for school.