Thomas Edison State University

thomas edison state university accreditation

Overview of Degree Programs at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University appears in our ranking of the 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Finance.

Through five schools, Thomas Edison State University offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as undergraduate, graduate, and non-credit certifications. Students can obtain one of seven associate degrees, 13 bachelor’s degrees, and 14 graduate degrees in over 100 fields of study.

Adult learners looking to explore the liberal arts, humanities, natural sciences, human services, and social sciences can do so through the Heavin School of Arts and Sciences. Innovative degree programs in the field of applied sciences blend practical knowledge and application of learned skills at the School of Applied Science and Technology. The School of Business and Management offers degree programs, such as a BSBA in Finance, meant to prepare students for the competitive and ever-changing global market. Those who have a passion for the medical field can attend the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing, where you can acquire the tools needed to become a licensed register nurse. These programs also give you a more hands-on approach as an alternative to traditional class-based lessons. Finally, students can obtain degrees or certifications in public policy, non-profit management, financial management, early childhood education, environmental justice, and more through the John S. Watson School of Public Service and Continued Studies.

About Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is one of New Jersey’s 11 public universities and colleges. It is located in Trenton and has played an active role in preserving many of the area’s historic buildings. TESU has a reputation for academic excellence and integrity across the country. One of the biggest draws to this school is the flexible learning opportunities offered in a variety of areas. This includes online course, prior learning assessments, credit transfers, and credit-bearing exams.

Thomas Edison State University Accreditation Details

Thomas Edison State College, TESU’s former name before it obtained university status, was established in 1972 with accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Higher Education. University status was issued in 2015 by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a prestigious honor bestowed only to those schools that consistently maintain a high quality of education for American students. Individual schools have also received numerous honors. These include accreditations for the nursing program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership was awarded the Teacher Education Accreditation Council by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The nuclear energy engineering program was accredited by the Engineer Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. TESU’s School of Business and Management is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Finally, the undergraduate certificate and degree programs in polysomnography have been awarded a limited accreditation status, expiring in 2022, by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educator Programs.

Thomas Edison State University Application Requirements

TESU’s mission is to provide educational opportunities to adult learners, specifically those aged 21 and up (18 and up if the applicant is a member of the military). All applicants to undergraduate programs must have a high school degree or a GED equivalent. Applicants who are not in the military and who are between the ages of 18 and 21 may apply for admission as long as they have a minimum of 24 credits from another accredited college or university. Those with fewer may take the Accuplacer Next Generation exam and achieve the following scores:

  • Reading comprehension – 236 or above
  • Sentence skills – 241 or above
  • Arithmetic – 216 or higher

Anyone applying to the nursing program must also have a registered nursing license that is valid in the United States.

There is no need to take the SAT or ACT. International students are welcome to apply, as long as they meet the age requirements and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language or International English Language Testing System. Since there are 12 terms throughout the year, there are no application deadlines.

Each graduate program has its own specific application criteria, including the requirement to have on-the-job experience before applying and be in possession of special qualifications or licenses. Additionally, there are a few general requirements all applicants must meet. Applicants must submit the following:

  • Transcript or proof of degree from an accredited college or university
  • A current resume
  • Two letters of Recommendation from previous instructors or work supervisors (these letters are not required for admission into the MBA program but are recommended)
  • Statement of background and goals of no more than 500 words
  • A brief essay of no more than 500 words, double-spaced, to be used as a writing sample. Applicants can choose from one of three questions that can be found on the admissions page and rotate every so often
  • Submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (this only applies to international students for whom English is not their first language)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Since the aim of TESU is to provide affordable programs to suit the needs of adult learners, there are a few payment options available. At the undergraduate level, you can choose from one of two payment options. The first is a comprehensive tuition plan, where one fee is paid giving you the ability to register for up to 36 credits in one 12-month period. The second option is a pay as you go plan, where you pay per credit, allowing you to learn at your own pace. At the graduate level, all the programs are offered on a pay as you go basis.

As long as students are enrolled in 12 credits per year, they are eligible for numerous financial aid programs. Students can use Pell Grants, Federal Education Loans, Subsidized Stafford Loans, and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans to pay tuition fees. State aid can also be used.

TESU also offers a variety of scholarships to help eligible and qualified students in need meet their financial obligations. Students can also access a list of outside scholarships not connected with the university to broaden their options. Thomas Edison State University offers two edibility periods: one in the early summer and the other at the beginning of the year.