Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Overview:

According to the University mission statement, “Thomas Edison State University provides distinctive undergraduate and graduate education for self-directed adults through flexible, high-quality collegiate learning and assessment opportunities.

The University's admission policy is reflective of its mission and purpose.

Application for admissions does not guarantee admission to the University.

Criteria for Admission:

In order to be admitted to the University, an applicant must:

Secondary School Requirement

  • Applicants must possess a high school diploma, GED, or a secondary home school diploma that meets the requirements of the applicant’s state of residency

Age Requirement

  • Be 20 years of age or older

OR

  • Be at least 16 years of age and demonstrate self-direction in one of the following ways*:
    • Serving as an active member of the United States military (not applicable to military spouses, dependents or relations),

OR

    • Participating in an apprenticeship as recognized by the US Department of Labor or as evaluated by TESU for academic credit,

OR

    • Having at least 12 transferable college-level credits from a Professional Learning Review conducted by TESU, or 6 credits from an accredited institution recognized for transfer by TESU with a grade of C or higher, or 6 credits of Advanced Placement (AP) credit.

OR

    • If between 16 and 20 years of age and unable to meet any of the self-direction criteria above, students will be required to complete an online orientation course.

* All students between 16 and 20 years of age will be limited to 9 credits in their first semester.

Specific degree programs may have additional requirements.