Brookdale Community College and Thomas Edison State University Enter New Partnership Agreement

Thomas Edison State University announced today that New Jersey community college students can now transfer up to 90 community college credits and then complete the remaining 30 credits required for graduation at TESU through a newly established NJ 3+1 Pathways program.

The University has created three degree pathways leading to baccalaureate degrees for recent, current and future graduates of New Jersey community colleges. The move aligns with goals of the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to create more 3+1 programs as well as more college-educated New Jersey residents.

“We are excited to partner with New Jersey’s community colleges in building affordable and timely degree completion options for students throughout New Jersey.” said Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, Thomas Edison president.

Through this innovative program, students can remain at their community college for an additional 30 credits beyond the associate’s degree and pay for those credits at the community college rate. Thus, this new program promotes associate and baccalaureate degree completion while driving the New Jersey State Office of Higher Education goal of 65% degree attainment by 2025, with the added benefit of keeping students in New Jersey.  We see this as a three-way win for our students, our institutions and the state.

“We estimate that the average New Jersey community college student can now earn a baccalaureate degree for less than $24,000 through this program,” explained Dr. Hancock.

The 90 credit transfer allowance through this 3+1 program represents a 10-credit increase over TESU’s traditional policy of accepting up to 80 community college credits from regionally accredited institutions.

“We are proud to partner with Thomas Edison on this new initiative creating a pathway for more students to earn their undergraduate degrees,” said Brookdale President Dr. David Stout. “Our mission at Brookdale is to provide access to high-quality and affordable educational pathways,” said President Stout. “These three degree options at Thomas Edison fit that model and enable students to gain the necessary credentials to start or change careers without incurring significant debt.”