Thomas Edison State College

Pros: Convenient Quick way to earn credit.
Cons: Must be motivated with good study habits.

The TECEP tests, which stand for Thomas Edison College Examination Program, are an excellent way to earn college credit. These tests are very similar to the DANTES tests that are offered at most colleges and universities. These tests are recognized by...

Pros: You can study at your own pace.
Cons: Very bad customer service. You will have to follow up on all grade postings.

Having recently completed a degree program through TESC, I feel I can speak as a now former student.

Initially my records were mixed with another students, so I had credit for classes not taken. When I reported this the classes were removed,...

Pros: quick, credible way to earn credits. State government blessing.
Cons: grade reports take wayyyyy too long.

My experiences with online(DIAL) Thomas Edison State College classes have been very positive so far. One thing you need to know before taking an online class, at least at TESC, is this, you will not be taught, you learn from studying. The mentors give ...

Pros: Faculty
Cons: Too many to list.

My biggest complaint about TESC is the lack of professionalism in its employees. They don't seem to want to help when I call and basically don't care. The administrative staff uses every excuse in the book for not having answers to my questions. I had...

Pros: No classroom, many ways to test away credits
Cons: slow moving and indecisive staffing

I am a working adult and when I discovered this college "Without Walls" I was rather excited. I could take classes on my own time and not be restrained by traditional methods like going to classes at a particular time and place. This concept...

Pros: Great mentors, learn from your own home or place of employment.
Cons: None

I have been a student at Thomas Edison State College for almost 2 years now. I have nothing but good things to say about the college. The mentors are extremely helpful and experts in their field. They want to see you succeed and make every effort in...

Pros: Acceptance of credits from various sources.
Cons: none.

I liked 'attending' TESC. I had credits from another university and was able to apply them to my TES ...

Pros: none
Cons: Support staff is the absolute worst.

I am a graduate of Thomas Edison State College and unfortunately I cannot recommend this college. Th ...

Pros: Variety of options for obtaining a degree
Cons: Course materials can be too expensive

I will be graduating in the near future and found my experience for the most part with TESC has been a rewarding one. I just wish the school offered a Graduate program in Counseling Psychology.
My one major complaint about the school is the...

Pros: Someday you actually get your check.
Cons: You have to continually call to find out when you are getting your checks.

Since this school is a complete external degree program college you have to rely on communication (either telephone or email) to succeed in this environment. For two semesters it took three to four months for me to receive my financial aid checks. I...

Pros: College without required lectures.
Cons: Fees for everything. Your employer may pay these. Mine did.

I loved TESC. I went to several colleges/universities before finishing out my degree program here. I took full advantage of the opportunity to test out of courses - DANTES, CLEP, TECEP. I also completed four DIAL courses. While I found some of ...

Pros: Many ways to earn credit
Cons: You must be a self starter

I am currently a student at Edison, having taken 10 online courses and 2 Prior Learning Assessments, and am about to graduate in a few months. I have not had any of the problems that another reviewer had, although I have not had any financial aid and have paid tuition and bills on time so there was never an opportunity for financial issues.

I have contacted the college several times for academic advisement and they have always been quick to respond as well as pleasant and helpful. It is true however, that many of the mentors are not as involved as they could be, but after all, this is a school for adults and it is was made clear to me that there would be no hand holding - they expect you to do more for yourself than most schools (i.e. finding tutoring if you need it).

Overall I am pleased with the education I am receiving. Like many things in life, you get out of it what you put into it.

Pros: It's the best deal out there for adults who want a real college degree.
Cons: Why didn't I start work on my college degree before now?

I recently enrolled at this college and strongly recommend it to anyone who is serious about going back to finish (or even start) your college degree. It was just what I was hoping to find -- a college that is flexible enough to make it possible to be a college student AND keep your job (and your family, in my case). It really lives up to its claims that it is designed for adults who want and need flexibility. But it's a very serious place -- I'm working really hard in my online class but I'm enjoying it. And the people who work there are very helpful. I've been able to transfer in all of my credits from the college I enrolled in before, and they let you take exams or do what they call "prior learning assessment" as alternatives to taking classes.

Pros: Allows for flexible schedules, accepts credits from most schools and exams like CLEP.
Cons: Slow administration process. Periods of confusion by administrative workers.

This is a very good way for a busy person to complete college work. The mentors are very well qualified although some of them are very slow to provide feedback to assignments and to post grades. Counselors and administrative workers have always been very helpful when I've called for help, but I have had problems with two out of four test forms getting lost and I had to retake part of one of my finals because one of my answer sheets was lost by TESC. I highly recommend TESC but you need to stay on top of them administrative wise.

Pros: NONE!
Cons: Expensive. Extremely High Fees, Little in way of return.

Stay away from this school.

This seemed like a good idea at first. Take online classes to finish a degree.

I signed up for an online class here. I received federal financial aid. The school took $2100 for an "Annual Tuition Fee" and then charged an additional fee of $870 for the class. The entire financial aid award was eaten up by their so called "fees" and little applied to any real learning or credits. Every time I called to enroll in another class, I was told that I had no financial aid and that I would need to reapply.

I now owe Sallie Mae about $3,000 on a loan from this place and all I have to show for my $3k is the completion of one, yes ONE lously online class!

Stay away. No colllege should be allowed to charge those kind of fees.