Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,331/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,331/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,500 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $103,449 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $82,204 | $15,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $73,635 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $72,782 | $11,812 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,015 | $27,768 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $64,005 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $60,072 | |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other. | Associate | $54,869 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,927 | $14,238 |
Analysis
Thomas Edison State University gives you a strong financial return for a public school, mostly because of who enrolls and how little debt you take on. Median debt of $12,500 against median earnings near $70,000 is a rare ratio. TESU is built for working adults finishing degrees through credit transfer and prior learning, so you often arrive with credits already earned and pay for less of the degree.
Nursing is the clear winner. A bachelor's here pays over $82,000, and you take on only $15,000 in debt to get there, which pays back fast in New Jersey's hospital and healthcare market around Trenton and the New York-Philadelphia corridor. Finance lands in the mid-$60,000s and multidisciplinary studies clears $72,000 on under $12,000 of debt, one of the better cost-to-earnings trades on the list.
Business Administration is the weak spot. At roughly $54,000 with over $14,000 in debt, it pays the least while costing more to finance than most other majors here. Homeland Security and protective services sit just above it in the high $50,000s. If you want the strongest return, nursing beats business by nearly $30,000 a year.
The specific risk is that TESU works through self-directed credit and exams. If you don't already have prior credits or the discipline to finish remotely, the low-debt math depends on you completing quickly. Stall out and the cost advantage shrinks.
This school fits you if you're a working adult, especially in nursing or healthcare, with existing credits and a job to keep. Lower-income families should confirm aid directly, since only about a fifth of students receive Pell and net price depends heavily on how many credits you transfer in. If you want a traditional campus and structured cohort, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thomas Edison State University worth the cost?
Thomas Edison State University offers decent value with relatively low median debt of $12,500 and 10-year earnings of $69,331. The nursing programs provide strong returns with graduates earning over $80,000, but other programs may struggle to justify costs.
What are the highest paying majors at Thomas Edison State University?
Nursing programs at Thomas Edison State University lead earnings with graduates making $82,000-$103,000 annually. Educational administration graduates earn around $73,635, while business and interdisciplinary studies programs generate lower returns at $71,000-$72,000.
How much debt do Thomas Edison State University graduates have?
Thomas Edison State University graduates carry a median debt load of $12,500, which is relatively manageable compared to many universities. This lower debt burden helps improve the overall return on investment for most programs.
Do Thomas Edison State University graduates get good jobs after college?
Thomas Edison State University graduates earn a median of $69,331 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low debt load. Nursing graduates see much stronger job prospects and earnings, while other fields may face tougher employment markets.