Thomas Edison State University (TESU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Thomas Edison State University
Built around adult learners, Thomas Edison State University is known for turning real-world experience into academic progress. The university emphasizes thoughtful rigor across the liberal arts, business, public service, healthcare and technology, with faculty attuned to working professionals and military-affiliated students. Courses are flexible and outcome focused, and the culture prizes persistence and practical application.
Students tap advising, tutoring, library databases, testing and credit-for-prior-learning options, plus career coaching tied to industry expectations. Campus spaces in downtown Trenton offer quiet study and student services, while much community happens online through clubs, speaker series and networking nights. And when you want to unplug, the riverfront, museums and neighborhood eateries are close. The capital city setting brings access to state agencies, nonprofits and regional employers, opening doors to internships and next steps. Distinctive? Commencement stories of graduates who balanced work and family. Notable alumni include U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers 46 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,939 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Interdisciplinary (2 programs, 542 graduates), Liberal Arts (2 programs, 424 graduates), Business (9 programs, 368 graduates), Health (8 programs, 212 graduates) and Social Sciences (1 programs, 78 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Interdisciplinary (2 programs, 542 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 438 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30.9999 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 104 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
30.0101 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 424 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 359 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 65 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0103 |
Business (9 programs, 368 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 246 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (P)
|
52.0201 |
| Human Resources Management | 37 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
52.1001 |
| Accounting | 23 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Business Administration and Management | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
52.0299 |
| Marketing Management | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Operations Management and Supervision | 14 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
52.0205 |
| Finance, General | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Business Operations Support | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0499 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 1 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0206 |
Health (8 programs, 212 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 115 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
51.3801 |
| Nursing and Nursing Administration | 32 |
|
Master's
|
51.3899 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting | 27 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0899 |
| Health Professions and Related Sciences | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.9999 |
| Nursing Practice | 11 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0999 |
| Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 2 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.2099 |
| Health and Wellness | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0001 |
Social Sciences (1 programs, 78 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 78 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0101 |
Security & Safety (7 programs, 76 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
| Protective Services | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.9999 |
| Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operations | 6 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
43.0304 |
| Crisis and Emergency Management | 5 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
43.0302 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0103 |
| Cyber and Computer Forensics | 2 |
|
Master's
|
43.0403 |
| Homeland Security | 1 |
|
Master's
|
43.0301 |
Eng. Technologies (2 programs, 57 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologies | 54 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0399 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15.0303 |
Computer & IT (4 programs, 42 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Systems Security and Auditing | 22 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11.1003 |
| Information Technology | 11 |
|
Master's
|
11.0103 |
| Computer Science | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0701 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11.0101 |
Mechanics (1 programs, 42 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Mechanic and Repair Technologies | 42 |
|
Associate's
|
47.9999 |
Military Tech (2 programs, 35 graduates)
Defense Technologies and Advanced Military Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Military Technologies and Applied Sciences | 23 |
|
Associate's
|
29.9999 |
| Cyber and Electronic Warfare | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
29.0207 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Thomas Edison State University (TESU)
How much does it cost to attend Thomas Edison State University (TESU)?
The annual tuition at Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is $6,638 for in-state students and $8,598 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $8,338 for in-state students and $10,298 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $5,103 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,700.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Thomas Edison State University offer?
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers 46 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (2 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (9 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (8 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the average salary for Thomas Edison State University graduates?
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) graduates earn a median salary of $65,570 after 6 years and $69,331 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $43,217 (25th percentile) to $102,881 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $115,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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