Thomas Edison State University: Acceptance Rate & Tuition

Thomas Edison State University is a public university for adult and nontraditional students. It has an open admissions policy and low tuition rates for students.

Thomas Edison State University is a respected public university in Trenton, New Jersey that's geared toward adult learners. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online.

TESU has an open admissions policy and tuition costs less than average, even for out-of-state students. Below, we dive into what you need to know about Thomas Edison State University's acceptance rate and tuition costs.

What Is the Acceptance Rate at Thomas Edison State University?

Thomas Edison State University has a 100% acceptance rate, as the university has an open admissions policy. This means that, so long as you meet the minimum requirements, you'll be accepted.

Current enrollment at TESU is over 8,000 students, with about 1,000 of those being graduate students. Nearly all students are part-time students, and 89% are age 25 or older.

Thomas Edison State University Admissions Requirements

There are very few admissions requirements at Thomas Edison State University. Students must:

  • have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent
  • be at least 20 years of age

There are some exceptions to the age requirement, such as being an active member of the military or participating in an apprenticeship program.

Graduate students must submit their transcripts from their bachelor's program. Those with a GPA of less than 3.0 will also need to submit a resume and personal statement. Some graduate programs have additional requirements.

There is no minimum high school GPA, and no test scores or letters of recommendation are required.

Thomas Edison State University Tuition and Cost Breakdown

Tuition at Thomas Edison State University depends on a few factors:

  • whether you're in an undergraduate or graduate program
  • whether you're in in-state resident or an out-of-state resident
  • whether you're studying full-time or part-time

TESU has flat-rate tuition for full-time students, or students who are studying nine or more credits each term. That rate is $3,319 for in-state undergraduate students and $4,299 for out-of-state undergraduate students.

Per credit, in-state students pay $419, while out-of-state students pay $545. This covers tuition as well as basic fees but does not include things like textbooks and supplies.

Most graduate credits are $675 each regardless of state of residence. Some programs, including the MBA programs, charge more.

How To Apply at Thomas Edison State University

The application and admissions process at Thomas Edison State University is relatively simple. Students start by filling out the online application and paying the $50 application fee.

Next, students will submit their official transcripts, including transcripts from any colleges or universities they've already attended. Students should also submit the following, as they may count for credit:

  • copies of any U.S. licenses and certifications
  • transcripts of any professional training programs
  • official score reports for any college-level exams, like AP exams

Again, no ACT or SAT scores are required. However, international students from countries with a native language other than English will need to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Graduate students will need to send whatever documents are required by their program, which may include a personal statement or resume.

Undergraduate students will typically hear back about their admissions within three to five business days, but this timeframe can vary for graduate students based on their program.

There is no application deadline at TESU. The university offers 12 terms and accepts applicants throughout the year.

FAQs About Acceptance Rates and Tuition at Thomas Edison State University

Below, we've answered some commonly asked questions about the acceptance rate and tuition at Thomas Edison State University.

Is It Hard To Get Into Thomas Edison State University?

Thomas Edison State University has an open admissions policy, meaning it is not hard to get into the university. So long as you submit the required information and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent, you will be accepted.

What Courses Are Offered Online at Thomas Edison State University?

Thomas Edison State University offers many of its degree programs online through its five schools:

  • Heavin School of Arts, Sciences, and Technology, which offers programs in the humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences
  • School of Applied Science and Technology, which offers programs in computer science, information technology, and engineering
  • School of Business and Management, which offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in business administration
  • W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions, which offers degrees in nursing online
  • Watson School of Public Service, which offers degrees in homeland security online

Does Thomas Edison State University Accept Financial Aid?

As a public institution, Thomas Edison State University accepts financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. The university itself also offers scholarships.

To find out what financial aid you qualify for, fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

What Is the Graduation Rate at Thomas Edison State University?

There is no graduation rate available for Thomas Edison State University. Graduation rate looks at how many full-time, first-time students graduate within six years for a bachelor's degree or three years for an associate degree.

However, almost all students at TESU are part-time students, and many are not first-time students. As a result, no students met the criteria to be a part of the graduation rate.

Is a Degree From Thomas Edison State University Respected?

Thomas Edison State University is a regionally accredited public university, and its degrees are just as respected as degrees from other public universities.

What Type of Accreditation Does Thomas Edison State University Have?

Thomas Edison State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Several of its programs hold accreditation from accreditors like:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET