TESU Offers Tuition Discount to Support Laid-Off Spirit Airlines Employees

In response to recent workforce reductions affecting employees at Spirit Airlines, Thomas Edison State University is extending its corporate-partner tuition discount to eligible former Spirit employees for academic terms from July 2026 through June 2027.

The initiative is designed to help affected workers continue their education, strengthen their credentials and prepare for new career opportunities during a period of transition.

"TESU was founded to serve adult learners and working professionals, especially those navigating change in their careers and lives," said Merodie A. Hancock, president of TESU. "We recognize the valuable expertise Spirit Airlines employees bring to the workforce, and we are committed to helping them build on that experience through flexible, career-focused degree programs."

Beyond tuition savings, TESU also works to connect enrolled students with employment opportunities through its network of corporate partners, providing an additional pathway to career advancement for those in transition. Enrolled students also have access to TESU's Office of Career Development, which offers one-on-one coaching, resume support, job search preparation and interview resources to help students navigate their next career move with confidence.

TESU's School of Science and Technology offers a range of undergraduate degree programs designed for aviation professionals, including options that enable students to earn academic credit for professional certifications, industry training and military experience. Students holding current and valid FAA licenses may also be eligible to earn college credit, further accelerating their path to degree completion. These flexible online programs are intended to help working adults accelerate degree completion while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Programs available through the School of Science and Technology include options in aviation maintenance, aviation management, electronics systems engineering technology and other applied science and technology disciplines.

More information about TESU’s aviation-related degree programs is available on the TESU website. Interested parties can reach out to appliedsciandtech@tesu.edu with any questions. Employers and organizations interested in corporate partnerships with TESU are encouraged to contact the Office of Strategic Partnerships at partners@tesu.edu.