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About Thomas Edison State University

Our History

Thomas Edison State University was founded in 1972 by the New Jersey State Board of Higher Education for the purpose of providing diverse and alternative methods of achieving a collegiate education of the highest quality for adult learners. Identified by Forbes magazine as one of the top 20 colleges and universities in the nation in the use of technology to create learning opportunities for adults, Thomas Edison State University is a national leader in the assessment of adult learning and a pioneer in the use of educational technologies. The New York Times has stated that Thomas Edison State University is “the college that paved the way for flexibility.” Learn more about the University.

Our Students

Thomas Edison State University is composed of a worldwide community of learners. Our student body represents every state in the U.S. and approximately 60 countries throughout the world. Unlike “traditional” colleges and universities, which are designed to meet the needs of college students who are between 18 and 21 years old, Thomas Edison State University is designed exclusively to serve the needs of adults. The University’s academic programs enable students to plan degree paths and to select learning options that best meet their needs. Course scheduling at Thomas Edison State University enables students to take courses at times convenient to them.

Current Students:

  • Current enrollment: Approximately 17,500
  • Average student age: 36
  • 42 percent of students are New Jersey residents
  • 56 percent of students are out-of-state residents (including all 50 states and students from or studying in more than 60 countries)
  • 55 percent of students are male
  • 45 percent of students are female

Alumni Association

All graduates of Thomas Edison State University are automatically members of the TESU Alumni Association – a worldwide organization of more than 60,000 members.

The Alumni Association supports and connects alumni in ways that provide advocacy and support for the University and its mission, while enhancing the personal and professional development of alumni. The Office of Alumni Engagement welcomes inquiries from prospective and current members of this vibrant organization.

The Alumni Association encourages its members to take part in as many activities as possible, including the Alumni Ambassador Program, Genius program, advocacy and networking opportunities. Alumni are also encouraged to join TESU alumni-focused social media networks through Facebook, LinkedIn, and AlumnifireInvention magazine, published quarterly, is designed to provide profiles of alumni in their daily pursuits of life and living.

Annual giving is another vital way graduates can support the University and help keep tuition affordable, expand academic programs, and improve the University experience through advanced technology and services. For more information, visit www.tesufoundation.org.

The Office of Alumni Engagement is dedicated to creating and maintaining meaningful lifelong connections with TESU alumni. The Alumni section of the University website provides current news, University Store, online giving information and the opportunity to network with students and alumni. Forms are available for logging volunteer hours and for updating contact information.

Office of Alumni Engagement
Thomas Edison State University
111 W. State St.
Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 633-8592
alumni@tesu.edu

Awards and Honor Societies

Thomas Edison State University awards academic honors at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Eligibility for all awards and honor societies is determined at graduation automatically. Students do not have to apply to be considered. There are academic awards and honors that are awarded by the University as well as those for which a graduate is determined to be eligible to apply if they wish to apply for membership.  

The following awards and honor society are awarded directly by Thomas Edison State University and the award/honor society is recorded on the permanent Thomas Edison State University academic record/transcript. Graduates do not need to apply for the award or for honor society membership. Recipients are permitted to wear the academic award and honors cords/pins provided by the University at Commencement.

Eligibility for membership in the following Honor Societies is determined by the University. The graduate is notified of eligibility who chooses to join the honor society if he/she wishes to do so. Membership in these honor societies is not automatic, nor is it recorded on the permanent Thomas Edison State University academic record/transcript. Only graduates who have chosen to be members are permitted to wear the academic honors cords/pins provided by the University or honor society at Commencement.

Thomas Edison State University does not award Latin honors or calculate class rank.

Toni M. Terry, BA

"I am 67 years old, soon to be 68, and to be able to say I did this at this day in my life is just gratification for my own self."

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