Military Spouses, Dependents & DoD Civilians

Top Five Spouse/Dependent Degree Options

The below are our five most popular degrees, which generally represent the most open or flexible options for our spouse and dependent students, 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.

1. Associate in Arts
2. Associate in Science in Business Administration
3. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
4. Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
5. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Human Resources Management/Organizational Management

Not connecting with the above, or looking for a more specialized route? We realize every student 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

Leila Fuetterer
Regional Base Representative
Joined Thomas Edison State University: 2023
Phone: 609-777-5696, ext. 4538 | Send a message

Leila Fuetterer proudly serves our military student population with Thomas Edison State University. Leila began her service in higher education in 2023 as regional base counselor/NTC coordinator at JBMDL in New Jersey. Leila is honored to guide Army National Guard students through the admissions and enrollment process at TESU. Leila earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Columbia College and her Masters in Adult Education/Academic Advising from Kansas State University.

What she has to say:
As a proud supporter of our military community, I understand the unique demands and sacrifices experienced by servicemembers, their spouses, and dependents. Balancing military responsibilities, family commitments, civilian careers, and educational goals require resilience and determination, and I am passionate about providing the guidance and support needed to help military-connected students succeed.

At Thomas Edison State University, I am committed to serving students and their families by helping them navigate educational opportunities, access valuable resources, and achieve their academic and professional aspirations. I believe education creates pathways to growth, stability, and long-term success, and I take pride in advocating for those who serve our country both at home and abroad.

Through compassion, dedication, and a student-centered approach, I strive to create a supportive environment where military students and dependents feel understood, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. I am proud to be part of an institution that values flexibility, academic excellence, and service to the military community. It is an honor to support this remarkable population and contribute to their continued success through education.

Why It Matters

Thomas Edison State University understands that being a military spouse or dependent brings along its own challenges. Because of this, we extend the benefits of our Military Degree Completion Program, including a tuition discount, to eligible family members.

Thomas Edison State University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that may be completed entirely through the University’s online and distance learning courses, so that you can continue with your degree progression regardless of where your sponsor is stationed around the world. We offer multiple associate degree programs in portable degree fields that may be eligible for MyCAA funding.

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 help you take full advantage of your prior work and learning experiences by developing competitive and relevant degree programs, which enable you to transfer the maximum amount of 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: