How NJ PLAN Works

NJ PLAN is a collaborative effort that leverages the resources of New Jersey's higher education institutions to potentially benefit students at all colleges and universities in the state. NJ PLAN shares best practices for the assessment of prior learning, determining how college-level knowledge acquired outside the classroom can earn students credit toward degree programs offered by colleges and universities in New Jersey.

Thomas Edison State University - one of the colleges that pioneered the assessment standards that govern most of today's PLA programs - provides assessment services for consortium members and serves as a prior learning assessment consultant to member institutions. This work is complemented by the subject-matter expertise of faculty members from partnering institutions, which also share best practices from their assessment and academic programs.

Goals and Objectives

• increase the number of college graduates in New Jersey
• provide a more efficient and cost-effective method for degree completion
• strengthen the link between higher education in New Jersey and the workforce development needs of the state's businesses
• reduce time-to-degree completion and support retention efforts at New Jersey colleges and universities
• increase student access to PLA programs statewide and regionally
• enhance assessment efforts at New Jersey colleges and universities without the need for additional investments