At a Glance

Chartered in 1972, Thomas Edison State University is one of New Jersey’s 11 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, graduate and professional certificates. The University is home to The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy. The New Jersey State Library is an affiliate of the University.

Approximately 17,200 students served.
More than 56,460 cumulative degrees awarded.

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

• 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 for Assessment of Professional and Workplace Learning
• Portfolio assessment, which demonstrates college-level knowledge acquired outside the classroom

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

• Apply up to 80 credits from a two-year institution
• Apply up to 117 credits from a four-year institution

• 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

The Office of Military and Veteran Education 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 is also a partnering institution with Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, GoArmyEd and Navy College Programs. The University enables veterans and their families to maximize their GI education benefits.

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