Thomas Edison State University TESU Online

by TBS Staff

Updated August 26, 2022 • 2 min read

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Highlights

The first university in the country designed specifically for adult learners.
Offers more than 100 areas of study.
New undergraduate terms begin every month, 12 months a year.
No on-campus residency requirement.
Generous credit transfer policy.

Overview

The first university in the United States designed especially for adult learners, Thomas Edison State University provides distinctive undergraduate and graduate education for self-directed adults through high-quality, flexible learning and assessment opportunities. Approximately 95% of recent graduates report an excellent or good rating for the university, while 96% of recent graduates would recommend the university to others. The university also boasts numerous online program options for adult learners who have commitments that would otherwise prevent them from earning a degree, such as jobs or families. These programs follow a flexible, asynchronous format that lets students earn their degree while continuing their career.

The University is one of New Jersey’s 11 senior public institutions of higher education. Online degrees offered by TESU Online include associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Students earn degrees through a wide variety of rigorous and high-quality academic methods that can be customized to meet their individual needs. The University is a national leader in the assessment of adult learning and a pioneer in the use of educational technologies. TESU is home to The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy, and the New Jersey State Library is an affiliate.

Thomas Edison State University Tuition, Accreditation, and Admissions Info

Tuition

Undergraduate In-state: $7,519 per year; Nursing: $440 per credit
Undergraduate Out-of-state: $9,967 per year; Nursing: $538 per credit
Graduate Studies (varies by program): $668-$714 per credit

Accreditation and Approvals

Thomas Edison State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The New Jersey Board of Nursing approves the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing programs. TESU also holds accreditations for specific programs, including:

W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing:

BSN (accredited by CCNE)
MSN (accredited by CCNE)
DNP (accredited by CCNE)

School of Business and Management

BSBA (accredited by ACBSP)
MBA (accredited by ACBSP)
MSHRM (accredited by ACBSP)
MSM (accredited by ACBSP)

School of Applied Science and Technology

Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology (accredited by ABET)
Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology (accredited by ABET)

Heavin School of Arts and Sciences

MA in Educational Leadership (accredited by CAEP)

Admissions

Thomas Edison State University requires undergraduate applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED with a 2.0 minimum GPA, and be 21 years of age or older, or 18 years or older and a member of the United States military. The university does not admit applicants under 21 unless they are in the military.

All graduate applicants at the university must hold a minimum 2.75 GPA for their undergraduate coursework, submit essays and letters of recommendation, hold relevant work experience, provide transcripts from a regionally accredited undergraduate program, and complete an admissions application. Graduate admission prerequisites and application requirements vary by program. A GRE is not required.

Other Statistics

Total Enrollment: 15,272
Student-to-faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Student Age: 35
Cumulative Degrees Awarded: 61,750
Year Founded: 1972

School Profile

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Public/Private: Public Nonprofit University
Graduation Rate: 41.9%
Colors: White and burgundy
Address: 111 W State St, Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone Number: (888) 442-8372
Social Media: Facebook; Twitter; Instagram

Thomas Edison State University Rankings on TBS

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