Reviews of Thomas Edison State University (College)

daniel edelmann

They would (NOT) accept Transfer Credit from my University. A whole associate degree completed and the vice president of registration wrote me and said they don't accept it per police but my University is accredited per the policy and associations even HLC so I would not recommend people wasting time and money applying 6 months later and I get this. Just horrible!!!

Dark Alpha

This is a great institution! I graduated years ago! I have to say that if you are looking for an easy way in, then this probably isn't for you. At this institution I worked hard and enjoyed learning. I especially loved the hands on lab, with the guided learning materials. The professors are stern but fair. The real world is much harsher. They prepare you to know how to deal with people and situations in a more professional manner but you have to do the rest.

Luis Andino

Only school that accepted military achievements and life experiences towards degree goals, most admirable.

Shauna Staub

Great staff members that always make me laugh. The college is also well organized and very helpful to military students. Iv'e jumped around to different colleges my entire military career and this hands down is the best experience Iv'e had. I applied for fasfa once my tuition assistance ran out and this was the only college that worked with me. The other colleges never answered my phone calls/kept saying I never applied for fasfa. Liars... If you want a college that actually gives you fasfa while your in the military then chose this college.

Jonathan Silva

This was a great university, I received my Bachelors of Science from TESU and found every course exceptional, and the best learning experience. Office of the registrar did a great job and my counselor was helpful, professional and helped me achieve my academic goals.

George Markey

I attended this college for a music degree. All of my professors were adjuncts from John J. Cali school of music at Montclair State University. I had the pleasure of working with Ting Ho, Ruth Rendleman, and several other fine professors. I knew someone that went to Seton Hall, paid Seton Hall prices, and ended up with the same professors I paid Thomas Edison for. I can only say that you have to be willing to do a lot of writing. My writing skills went through the roof because of Thomas Edison State College. The prior learning assessments were also a huge help to me. Because of them, in my last year, I was able to attain 56 credits while working full time. They are not easy, however. If you are an independent thinker, worker, and are good at keeping your goals in mind, And Are not really concerned about the social life of college, Thomas Edison maybe your best choice.. And, I did get my music degree. I am very happy to say I graduated with honors.

Edward Cotton

A university that fits on 1 city block.

Alissa Reyes

What the question is this collage is free and do they can take arts classes the this collage because i am looking a collage that free and go and come back is this collage is the right one for me

Terry D.

Excellent school!! I earned my undergraduate degree at Thomas Edison and the facility and mentors are first class professionals. I had a wonderful experience during my years there. I highly recommend TESC to anyone who's serious about finishing college and getting on with their life.

Nelson Armstrong

Never been there seems like a great college I'm going to get there

Derek Pivko

The worst college, do not go here.

Joshua Martin

I almost have earned my BSBA here over two years and transferred in a ton of CLEP tests. It wasn't a bad deal but it's expensive if you're not careful--get the annual enrollment plan and it's OK but you must be ON IT... People won't look out for you there as much and you must ask questions. Professors are pretty good for the most part. I learned a ton, they were all holding doctorates, and very keen. Staff isn't bad but you must learn when the deadlines are, how to get the most out of your annual plan, if the bill is correct, etc. I use a call recorder because once they said I owed $5k more than I actually did. In the end this the University for transferring in credits but you will do potentially better elsewhere if you're not transferring a bunch of CLEP/ACE/DSST accredited courses.

Theresa Chesley

This school is a total rip off. They will charge "fees" for every little thing. I was hit with a $150 "late" fee for signing up for a class beyond the registration period, which mind you is only 4 days long. I have spoken to every one possible and they won't budge on it. I could see if maybe I signed up for the class after it already started. Getting charged a late fee a few weeks before the class starts is absurd. They don't mention the "late" fee when you are siting up "late" either, they just hit you with it and assume you can afford to pay it. Horrible ethics in this school. Do yourself a favor and somewhere else!

Brandon J

I graduated from Thomas Edison State college before it was a University. Back then there were talks of combining with other universities like Rutgers or TCNJ. My learning opportunities at Thomas Edison were in my own hands much of the time just like in a work situation where your company depends on you to get the job done. Higher education for adults with higher expectations is a perfect slogan for the school. Since graduating from Thomas Edison State college I have gone on to study at Harvard, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University and more. I obtained an MBA in finance and many postgraduate certificates which have been helpful in owning and running multiple businesses. Thomas Edison State college beautifully allowed me to accomplish my goals and did everything I expected of them as a learning institution. After reading many goofy reviews below it surely seems the low ratings are from people who expected an easy ride such as University of Phoenix but I hate to tell you Thomas Edison State University is a challenging institution and it's not the path to an easy diploma. If you can't read or don't understand the terms of condition when you sign up to go to school and then cancel halfway through the semester hoping to get all your money back there's not much anyone can do for you. Luckily you are giving us your side of the story which is easy to see that you completely screwed up. Back when I went to school here I worked on campus for all of my exams and also with study groups in Trenton and Princeton New Jersey and always felt the personal interactions with the staff was A+. Having since attended and excelled at many of the top schools in the country in comparing them to Thomas Edison State University I can honestly say TESU is right in line with many of them when it comes to excellence in education. Again, if you are thinking this is going to be a quick turnaround to a degree without putting in extreme amounts of hard work I can tell you you are barking up the wrong tree. This is not a place for you if you're looking for the easy road. Put in the hard work and you will be happy you did.

Nicole Kohri

They will NOT grant military members extensions with activation orders. If you are 88% complete (just one exam missing) with a course Mona Spera will recommend you drop the course and loose the credits. It is even bizarre to the mentors. Very passive aggressive and manipulative. She would tell my recruiter the request is being reviewed, but then tell me something different. Also she’d discuss everything with my recruiter and then email me about FERPA, right after she already corresponded with him. Almost like she was being cynical. It’s cheap, but if you have to deal with anyone, it is conflicting information and they will play with you. So just make sure you do your coursework and remember that nobody there wants to do any more work.

S CARRIZALES

Great military friendly school finished my BA and now considering looking at a Masters in Homeland Security with TESU. This university made the financial transition with me from active duty to civilian life less painful. Many thanks.

Rick _

Good place to get your degree and helpful staff members.

Darrin Lott

Good School! I would recommend it for anyone that wants to better themselves.

Harry Woodward

I am sorry that some of the reviewers had personal lifes problems but you cant blame that on the school or the schedule that you chose. When I call I get a person that is very knowledgeable and courteous within minutes no problem. More then helpful, the most gracious school i have been involved with, Please dont blame them for your personal problems the school didnt create them they are here to help people get a higher education and are doing a great job of it. Harry Woodward

Youdline Adam

I am a current student at Thomas Edison State University, and I have to say this school is horrible at providing support to its students. Please stay away, my personal data were hacked, I scheduled appointments for Academic advising and when I call I get the running around. I was informed to take classes that doesn’t even go towards my degree. The representative for different regions don’t even answer their phones or no longer work in their assign office. I should have gone to a different school. I feel like they just collecting money with no good results. I cannot wait to be done with this mess and go somewhere I can get my moneys worth. I wish 0” star was an option.

Felicia Anderson

i spent a great deal of time working on my educational pursuits over the years, the college reviewed my transcripts from several Universities and was able to map out a plan for me to complete both my AAS and my BA in about 15 months. it was the best investment in myself that i have made other than starting a business. I was able to use the skills learned in managing staff and encouraging others to pursue goals that were hard but achievable. I wish I had found them earlier in my educational career, i could have save my self lots of money and disappointment. i can not stress enough how open the administration and counselors were about costs and helping me stay on task. I am planning to complete my Masters due to the plan that was prepared for me by this team of excellent advisors.

Jimmy Ruska

They were not able to fulfill a TECEP test because of technical errors on their website. Blamed me when I told them about the issue and denied my request for a refund.

Fernando Fernandez

I had already been to 3 different institutions before I found TESU, Their ABET accredited programs are amazing!

Johnathon Jones

Great environment. Excellent institute for higher learning.

Dawn Pisturino

So far, I have had a great experience and wonderful teachers. I have always been able to get hold of somebody and get my questions answered. There is a physical campus as well as online classes. You only have to complete 3 credits a year to remain in the school. Very flexible.

Christopher Duncan

Totally worthless and wholly unprofessional school. Based on the mental inability of the staff, I have issued a directive that soldiers in my unit may not attend it. A total waste of time.

Rebecca Seghers

Huge waste of money. School's policy for reimbursement if a course is no longer needed is a joke. Appeal was denied as well, though my circumstances for dropping the course (mother's failing health) were valid and I provided documentation. Additionally, if you choose the path of least resistance in school, people reading your resume later in life will know you cut corners. Don't invest your finances or time here.

Christopher Molstad

Earned my Associates Degree here. Regionally Accredited and Non-Profit. Great university for anyone that is a busy adult, but still wants to further their education. Highly Recommend!

Jerry Jones

I have two undergrad degrees and am working towards a graduate degree from here. In the past year this school has gone down hill. There is a reoccurring issue with the online classroom being down, which defeats the entire purpose of online learning. Don't plan on accessing your class late at night or early in the morning because the website will likely be inaccessible.

Mr Jersey

TESU is one of the few four-year colleges in the state that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to attend. As a lifelong resident of NJ, I was concerned that I'd have to go out of state or take on massive debt just to get my bachelor's. Thankfully, I was able to finish my last two years here after graduating from Gloucester County College (now RCGC). Definitely recommend this, especially to NJ residents who aren't interested in leaving home for college.

Chuck Johnstone

Outstanding Institution!

K P

HORRIBLE! I regret wasting money attending this school. I tried dropping my class right before the drop deadline for a family emergency, and I could not get ahold of anyone via telephone or e-mail until a few days after the deadline. Since they decided not to answer the telephone, or respond to my voicemails or e-mails until after the deadline passed, I now have to pay for the full cost of the course.

Fiorella Leon

This is my second semester and so far I have had very good experiences. I’m working on my BA degree and I like the flexibility or finishing faster compare to other universities. My professors have been very professional and very accesible which is always a plus.

Tyrone Stèed

I had lost connection to colleges after graduating from Fashion Institute of Technology and attending Kean University because of pressure from family death. Thomas Edison bought me back and gave me a new direction. Went on to obtain a BS i.Humanities

Ali Raja

Great school. Tough course work. Regionally accredited. Have to be very independent at studying your coursework but the Professors and Mentors will definitely be a huge help in answering questions promptly.

Miranda Short

I am approaching my graduation this year. I have been able to obtain my Bachelors online while working full time and on a budget. Let me say you receive a great education. They actually teach you at this college. The mentors set the bar reasonably. A lot of the videos and articles are based off ivy league schools such as Harvard, Princeton and Yale. Why pay an arm and a leg and graduate with debt when you don't have to? This school is accredited and Nationally recognized. You want your degree this school works with you and gives you options. Not to mention you have the opportunity to apply for tons of scholarships. Go for this school! I am so proud to be a soon to be alumni of this institution. They do learning right! 10 out of 10. Its disgusting to see any poor/bad reviews of this college. Ok, every place is going to have the receptionist that is new or having a bad day, or that one off professor that nobody cares for. They are fees but in comparison to other schools all the fees don't even compare to the tuition of other colleges! Also if you do online you do have to actually READ and think for yourself. That's true. The mentors are there to help not do the work for you. That's the point of learning is to actually learn. Most of the exams are proctored via online so if you are looking to cheat or commit plagiarism this is REALLY not your school. They take academic integrity very serious. Life is what you make it. If you are looking for a laid back college that's not going to care and just give you good marks for doing nothing then this school IS NOT for you. However if you are actually craving to learn on a budget then this school is for you! I never ever review anything but felt compelled to brag on my school!

Jess Brown

Great school, you get what you put into it and can make it a great experience. As with any school they have specific programs, you can't study everything at any one school, know the field you want to go into and base your decision on what is needed for that. People commenting that other schools don't accept the degree are off-base. The school is a regionally accredited, state college, it's not a for-profit scam as other schools are. It is completely online and not for everyone, especially if you aren't able to work independently.

Alisha McDonald

Let start off by saying this school wouldn't be so bad if the financial aid office didn't try I rip you off. This department gives the school a bad rep. You can call different times thru out the same day and get a different answer every single time. Not only that, they will over borrow on your loans, then when it's time for you to get financial aid again or to transfer they fail to cooperate with you or they take their time. This school is all about money. The professors are very helpful, at least the one's that aren't trying to fail you. If your looking for an online school let this one be the last on your list. Trust me, you want even have enough money to finish, even if you have a scholarship...they'll some how come up with fees to take that.

Shorbc “SoulRebel” X

School is a big scam.

Daniel Loss

I did not start working on a college degree until I was 23 years old. By the time I found Thomas Edison State University I was well into my 30's and had taken courses at 4 different colleges/universities. The staff there did a great job at coordinating all my credits so that, with several portfolios to collect 9 final credits, I was able to complete my degree several years earlier than if I have continued with the university I was attending at the time. That's because they would not take some of my credits from previous course work at the other institutions. I was then able to go on and get my Master's Degree from Temple University. Thomas Edison State University was a perfect fit for me.

Hachi Casey

My wife who is a graduate of this school, recently took a couple of classes, and discovered that there was no program towards a degree after she completed the two class. So she decides to go into a different program, and runs into a problem with her health, because a of disability. Calls the school and no one has an answer, speaks to her professor and still no answer. Finally after weeks of phones calls, emails she is told that she can get an accommodation if she pays 225.00 per class and that is only available if she has completed 50 percent of work. She then feels that there is no recourse - but to drop the classes. What kind of institution is this? What kind of morons are running this institution? Is everyone really that obtuse? What ever happen to the American Disabilities Act - when it comes to student at this school? Do you not receive federal monies? Now she is out the tuition she paid, and monies allowed her and absolutely no room for negotiation when it comes to a recourse. Sure the school got it money ... but frankly you should be ashamed of yourselves. And now ... everyone is going to get apologetic ... save it! The best you can do for her is make amends ... Do the right thing!

S H

Worst school I've taken course from. Do not have lectures for course and over charges for a professor that does nothing. Complete waste of time and money. Do not take any course from this school, unless you like to learn nothing while being overcharged for no teaching.

Ronald Ross

I cant complain about the time i spent there but it did become a little expensive

Kazi Jamal uddin

if you study, every school is good.i have no problem to finding a job after i Graduate from this school and continuing my studies. :0

Breanna Lojo

The professors are professional, knowledgeable, and super flexible. There is a wide variety of classes, professors, and class types to suit anyone's needs. Even if you don't have a lot of time, you can succeed with how the classes and due dates are structured. However, the admissions, bursar, and most all other departments apart from the teaching faculty are impossible to work with. They charge absurd fees for absolutely nothing and are not military friendly. They won't charge fees for your first semester to rope you in and then they'll come out of nowhere and you'll be transferred from department to department before they tell you that you can't even get your transcripts to go to a different university without paying them. The teachers are worthwhile and come from all parts of the country to give all different perspectives, but the other faculty make it easy to walk away from the university.

Mike R

Very good school. Find them very helpful

Stephen Jones

One of the best learning experiences ever. Wide range of credit earning opportunities. Flexible schedules and relevant programs. Your degree is within reach...the toughest part is getting started! BSAST '14, MSHLS' 16

Cissy Lyons

I hate how this school is so close but they only help those who already have degrees. I wanted to do dental hygiene and if not hygiene then nursing , but it’s only for people with degrees. It would be nice to have a school in Trenton that actually has programs for people without degrees, maybe then the community wouldn’t be as bad. If we actually gave more opportunities for those living here.

Matt King

As a member of the military, TEU made it easy to combine the technical medical certification I earned in the Army with credits I earned through TEU and at my local community college. Courses were not dumbed down, and tests were all required to be done under supervision of proctors. I also took many CLEP tests that were accepted properly by TEU, and I was able to graduate less than 4 years from the time I graduated high school. Professors all responded within an hour or two, often within 20 minutes, when I had questions. If you're motivated and don't want earning your degree to be more complicated than it has to be, you can't go wrong here.

Dan Hines

TESU was the right school for completing my bachelors. I encourage anyone thats completed an AAS degree plus additional coursework at 4 year schools or military training to strongly consider attending. After transferring courses from other colleges, only 5 courses were needed to obtain my bachelor's degree in Applied Science. My mechanical engineering degree lined up well with the applied science curriculum.

Holy Holy

I enrolled as transfer students, I finished 30 credits towards my degree, and now I have 36 credits to get my Bachelors, they sent me an email saying that there will be no more comprehensive plan, the cost difference now is about 5 thousands dollars, i choose this university because it was affordable, now i am in the mid of my way and have lost both ways، i wish that I didn’t enroll and waste my time. Very disappointing!!!

Joe Denning

I recently graduated with a BA in History. TESU was far far better experience than my two previous online schools worked very well. The courses were demanding, however, I was attending to learn and earn my degree. Instructors and admin staff were always helpful and supportive.

Sullu M

Do not believe that they accept transfer credits generously. The truth is they don't. They are picky about it. The staff(especially, the administration) are not willing to help.

Barbara Jenkins

This is the bottom of the barrel for state universities. DO NOT EXPECT THAT IT WILL LEAD TO A JOB. Even the state of New Jersey will not hire you off the street with a degree from here . It is a totally online school and many colleges will not accept TESC degrees. It is a waste of money . They claim you can study anything, but it is not true, there are only a few areas in the humanities that you can get a degree in - and since there is no internships or clinical , it is highly unlikely that any employer will hire you in the field you studied . Every other week plan of writing a 1 or 2 page paper, though some classes require them once a week. Mid term and final are essay, so if you don't remember something, there is no way you can be prompted by another question as in a normal classroom.

Lee D

update: check out peirce colle in Philly. have decided to go back. They take up to 90 credits and have a liberal arts program that is geared to people who have mostly cc credits. They are accepting my capstone that TE would not. I took a few courses at a community college that pierce will accept that Thomas Edison wouldn't. Now I can graduate with my bachelor's. I deeply regret coming to this school and now this school will be my only option because as a single parent I can’t afford to go anywhere else. They have changed the rules and curriculum so many times that i went from needing 3 courses to get my bachelors to needing 9. The classes i am taking now won't even be needed if i attend another school. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND $$.

C. Larson-Thomas

I graduated with my BA from TESU in 2020. I had a great experience with this institution and would recconend it for any non-traditional student who is comfortable with online classes. I fit in relatively well as someone who had many varied credits from stints in college here and there but in a year I was able to piece all of the credits together and finally finish my undergraduate work. However, this school is for self starters. If you are someone who requires a lot of 1 on 1 attention with an educator this is not the best option for you. I have taken online courses at more traditional universities and actually found TESU to be more rigorous. (My theory is that since it's an online only school they put more into the online curriculum then a brick and morter school with online options) Bottom line: if you are motivated this is an affordable and great option to put a degree to your name.

Avi Satlow

I'm a September 2020 grad so now gonna share my honest opinion about TESU. Thomas Edison is a great school for someone who wants a credential from somewhere accredited while putting in minimal time and effort. But for someone who actually wants to learn something I would recommend seeking another program. TESU is for independent learners only. TESU calls its professors "mentors" for a reason. You are basically on your own to learn the material based on the textbook, readings, and videos and the mentor will typically do minimal work to help you. Do not expect any of the perks given at a traditional brick and mortar school. Frankly TESU is a diploma mill where the degree is merely a worthless credential that one should only obtain if they have a direct plan on how to use it (known employer promotion, use to move up to graduate level of education, known business contact that wants business degree from anywhere accredited, etc). Otherwise I wouldn't waste your time or money. Exact reason why employers and the public doesn't (and shouldn't) trust online degrees.

Michael Piscetelli

I will begin by saying your experience with this university directly reflects your participation. Let's start with the admission process; it was easy, and your ability to do everything online. Next, let's talk about financial aid; I didn't use it since I paid (an excellent value) as I went along. Moving along, we have the advisors. The advisor, Amy, gave me great advice and showed me how to get my degree quickly while learning so many new ideas. She pushed me outside my comfort zone and made this experience truly enriching. I started with 68 credits, and 11 months later, I had 125 credits and a bachelor's degree. To do this, I had to use TECEPT's, testing out of classes. I came to the school with a great deal of knowledge I gained from life experiences. TESU was able to show me how to prove that knowledge was worth college credits. Was this easy? No, it was tough, but it was cost-effective and much faster than classes. I took several courses and had tons of homework and tests. I just kept up with the work. My professors were great. They all did most of the communication with emails, and that was wonderful for me. Once I completed my studies, I applied for a new position only available to someone with a college degree and got it. My life has changed 360 degrees, and it would not have been possible if not for Thomas Edison University. I will say one last thing. You have to be focused and self-motivated to become a graduate. There is no free ride or a fake degree; you must complete the work and do it mostly on your own. If you want this, you will be successful.

shea lover

I didn't like the style of the classes due to the huge amount of homework for less points and tests that didn't contain the questions from the textbook. As the cherry on top of loaded homework assignments combined with the attitude of the staff makes into a bitter sweet experience.