Thomas Edison State University Nursing: What to Know for Applicants (2026)
New Jersey’s public adult-serving university in Trenton runs the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions: a 15-month hybrid Accelerated BSN for career changers, widely used online RN-to-BSN completion, stacked RN-to-BSN/MSN, MSN leadership tracks plus FNP and PMHNP pathways, and an online post-master’s DNP. This guide cites tuition approved by the TESU Board of Trustees on June 13, 2025 (effective August 2025 term), CCNE accreditation language from TESU, and New Jersey quarterly NCLEX-RN PDFs indexed by NJCCN.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
TESU’s Bayada Scholars partnership with Cooper University Health Care and Bayada Education offers an optional hospital-based Accelerated BSN track with separate pricing and rolling admissions. The main Trenton campus anchors hybrid ABSN labs and simulation; RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP coursework is delivered online for working RNs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public institution centered in downtown Trenton with a mission built around adult learners and flexible pathways. The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions pairs a compact Accelerated BSN for bachelor’s-prepared career changers with one of New Jersey’s largest online RN-to-BSN completion programs—often used by community-college ADN graduates and licensed RNs from diploma programs.
TESU states that baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); it also notes that the post-graduate APRN certificate program is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation—candidacy is not full accreditation, so confirm current status with TESU and CCNE. Programs are approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing per the school’s public disclosures.
New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs publishes quarterly NCLEX-RN statistics by school in PDFs; the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN) links the latest files. TESU’s Accelerated BSN page states that since the program began, average first-time RN-NCLEX pass rates have been higher than state and national averages (school-reported qualitative statement) and links to the Consumer Affairs NCLEX page. For a numeric first-time pass rate, use the quarterly PDF row for Thomas Edison State University and confirm cohort year. Confirm all outcomes with TESU and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose TESU
Accelerated + online stack
TESU combines a 15-month hybrid ABSN for new nurses with online RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs—so you can move from pre-licensure through graduate study within one institution if you choose.
Transparent nursing tuition
TESU publishes a dedicated nursing tuition page with per-credit rates for RN-to-BSN, NP programs, DNP, and packaged Accelerated BSN totals (Board-approved June 2025), which helps with apples-to-apples comparisons.
Credit for prior learning
RN-to-BSN students can transfer up to 90 community college credits and TESU documents up to 63 credits toward the BSN when NCLEX-RN is passed—confirm details with the registrar and nursing advisors.
Capital-region clinical access
Accelerated BSN students complete hybrid coursework with in-person labs, simulation, and clinical rotations at Magnet-designated and affiliated New Jersey facilities per TESU’s program pages—some shifts may fall evenings, nights, or weekends.
Nursing Programs Offered
The W. Cary Edwards School separates pre-licensure (Accelerated BSN), post-licensure completion (RN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN/MSN), and graduate (MSN, NP tracks, DNP) pathways. Labels below match TESU’s public nursing program pages reviewed March 2026.
Pre-licensure
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at TESU the program is a 60-credit, 15-month, full-time hybrid pathway for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or at least 60 undergraduate credits plus prerequisites. It blends online and on-campus instruction with clinical rotations at New Jersey affiliates; graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN. Cohort starts in January, May, and September with published application deadlines.
Post-licensure
RN to BSN
Online 120-credit BSN for active U.S. RNs; rolling admissions, eight-week courses, and generous transfer—including conditional admission while awaiting NCLEX results. TESU also offers an RN-to-BSN/MSN option that stacks graduate study (Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Nursing Informatics specialties) with 27 credits beyond BSN requirements.
Graduate
MSN (30 credits)
Online MSN for BSN-prepared RNs with concentrations in Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, or Nursing Informatics; each awards a graduate certificate alongside the degree per TESU.
MSN — Family NP & PMHNP
Separate MSN tracks for Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with clinical practicum requirements; tuition is listed separately on TESU’s nursing tuition page.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
36-credit online post-master’s DNP in Systems-Level Leadership for nurses who hold an accredited MSN (or a BSN plus a related master’s) with GPA ≥3.0 in the master’s program, valid RN license, and other requirements listed on TESU’s DNP page.
Graduate nursing certificates
TESU lists graduate certificates (for example, Nurse Preceptor) and notes that the post-graduate APRN certificate program is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation—confirm status before enrolling.
TESU does not list a traditional four-year pre-licensure BSN for freshmen; entry to RN licensure at TESU is through the Accelerated BSN unless you complete an ADN elsewhere and return for RN-to-BSN. Verify every pathway on the Nursing Academic Programs page and in the TESU catalog.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The most authoritative place to cite a specific first-time NCLEX-RN percentage for Thomas Edison State University’s Accelerated BSN graduates is the State of New Jersey’s quarterly NCLEX-RN statistics, published as PDFs by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. NJCCN maintains an index of those PDFs (for example, “RN Schools” by quarter). Locate Thomas Edison State University in the school table for the reporting period you need.
TESU’s Accelerated BSN page states that since the program began, average first-time RN-NCLEX pass rates have been higher than state and national averages (school-reported qualitative statement) and points readers to the Consumer Affairs NCLEX page. This guide does not substitute a live Board table—open the quarterly PDF for the cohort you care about rather than relying on marketing copy alone.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | See New Jersey quarterly PDF (link below); percentage varies by reporting quarter and cohort. RN-to-BSN and graduate programs do not culminate in NCLEX-RN at TESU. |
| Source | NJCCN — New Jersey Quarterly NCLEX Statistics (links to Consumer Affairs PDFs). New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — NCLEX-RN. Confirm current data with TESU and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and exam version. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rate for Thomas Edison State University in the Board’s quarterly report and with the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
TESU’s Accelerated BSN admissions materials state that transcripts from foreign universities must be evaluated by an approved agency with a course-by-course report submitted with the application. The school may require the TOEFL if there are concerns about English proficiency, even when prior English composition coursework exists. RN-to-BSN applicants with foreign nursing degrees must hold a valid U.S. RN license and meet transcript rules described on TESU’s admissions pages.
- English-language proficiency: Follow TESU’s nursing admissions guidance on TOEFL and related testing.
- Transcript evaluation: Use TESU-approved evaluators for international coursework; Accelerated BSN applicants must submit official course-by-course evaluations.
- New Jersey Board of Nursing: For licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm CGFNS, VisaScreen, and NCLEX eligibility with the Board.
- Clinical clearance & vaccines: TESU and affiliate hospitals may require COVID-19 vaccination, background checks, drug screens, and malpractice insurance before practicum or public-health nursing courses.
Policies change frequently. Verify with TESU’s Office of Admissions, the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing, and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Accelerated BSN admission is competitive and holistic. TESU’s published requirements include a preferred cumulative GPA ≥3.0, completion of prerequisite science and general-education courses (grades of C/73 or better), a personal statement (≥250 words), and the ATI TEAS with scores sent directly from ATI (≥70% preferred in each subcategory; TEAS waived if you already hold a bachelor’s degree). Cohort deadlines are Sept. 1 (Winter), Dec. 1 (Spring), and May 30 (Fall). RN-to-BSN applicants need a valid U.S. RN license and official transcripts; transcripts from foreign nursing programs must meet TESU’s validation rules. MSN applicants need a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited BSN, an active RN license, and two years of nursing experience is recommended for MSN and graduate certificate practicum courses. DNP applicants need an MSN from an accredited nursing program (or a BSN plus a related master’s), RN license, cumulative GPA ≥3.0 in the master’s program, references, resume, essay, and interview per TESU.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerated BSN — Winter cohort | September 1 | Per TESU Pre-Nursing / Accelerated BSN admissions page. |
| Accelerated BSN — Spring cohort | December 1 | Students finishing prerequisites in December may still be considered for May start. |
| Accelerated BSN — Fall cohort | May 30 | Students finishing prerequisites in May may still be considered for September start. |
| RN-to-BSN | Rolling (six starts/year) | Contact Admission for the next registration date. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed separately from the university overall. |
| ATI TEAS | Required for Accelerated BSN (preferred ≥70% per subcategory); waived for applicants who already completed a bachelor’s degree. |
| GPA benchmark | Preferred ≥3.0 for Accelerated BSN; DNP requires ≥3.0 in the master’s program. |
Honest tips
Accelerated BSN students should plan for intensive hybrid schedules and clinical blocks that may include evenings, nights, or weekends. RN-to-BSN applicants should budget for malpractice insurance before NUR-4430 Public Health Nursing and any practicum courses. Graduate applicants should confirm vaccine and background-check requirements early because clinical partners may deny exemptions.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from TESU’s Nursing Tuition page, approved by the Board of Trustees on June 13, 2025, and effective the August 2025 term (unless otherwise noted). RN-to-BSN tuition applies uniformly to in-state and out-of-state students per TESU.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate nursing application fee | $50 (nonrefundable). |
| RN-to-BSN (per credit) | $311 per credit effective July 2025 term (registration begins May 31, 2025), replacing prior scholarship-tied discounts. |
| Accelerated BSN — total program tuition | $46,140 for new cohorts as of Fall 2025 (previous cohorts $41,580); $500 nonrefundable deposit within seven days of acceptance; $525 clinical lab technology fee per hybrid clinical course. |
| Accelerated BSN — Bayada Scholars track | $58,500 in-state total program; $75,000 out-of-state; $3,300 books/supplies fee for new students; $525 clinical lab fee per clinical course. |
| MSN — Nurse Practitioner tracks (FNP & PMHNP) | $719 per credit. |
| DNP | $830 per credit for DNP nursing courses; $400 DNP practicum fee per course; $525 nurse practitioner practicum fee where applicable. |
| Source | Thomas Edison State University — Nursing Tuition & Fee Schedule. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
TESU’s Accelerated BSN page references qualitative NCLEX performance relative to state and national averages. For any numeric first-time NCLEX-RN percentage, use the official New Jersey quarterly PDFs (NJCCN index) for Thomas Edison State University and note the reporting quarter. TESU’s DNP page references career advancement themes; for employment or salary figures, confirm methodology and cohort year with the school’s consumer information disclosures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (ABSN) | Cite the percentage from New Jersey’s quarterly NCLEX-RN PDF for Thomas Edison State University (NJCCN index). TESU describes performance qualitatively on its Accelerated BSN page; confirm the number in Board data. |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on the pages consolidated for this guide; see TESU career services or consumer information if available. |
| Source | NJCCN — NCLEX statistics; TESU — Accelerated BSN. |
Is Thomas Edison State University the Right Fit for You?
TESU fits working adults who need online RN-to-BSN flexibility, career changers targeting a 15-month Accelerated BSN, and licensed RNs seeking MSN or DNP credentials without relocating. It may be less ideal if you want a traditional four-year residential BSN for recent high school graduates.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Need rolling starts, eight-week online courses, and generous transfer credit for RN-to-BSN.
- Want a documented Accelerated BSN with hybrid labs and clinical rotations in New Jersey.
- Prefer transparent nursing tuition tables published on tesu.edu.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Are new high school graduates seeking a conventional residential BSN for four years.
- Cannot travel to New Jersey for Accelerated BSN labs, simulation, and clinical experiences.
- Expect identical per-credit tuition across every TESU program—nursing uses program-specific rates.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
TESU’s Accelerated BSN students complete clinical rotations across northern and central New Jersey acute-care hospitals, community agencies, and simulation on the Trenton campus. The Philadelphia and New York City metro areas are within driving distance for broader job searches after licensure, though clinical assignments follow TESU contracts and site availability.
| Facility / region | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital Health & central Jersey systems | Representative acute-care employers near Trenton; exact clinical sites rotate by cohort per TESU. |
| Cooper University Health Care | Hospital partner highlighted in TESU’s Bayada Scholars Accelerated BSN track materials. |
| Community & public health | Accelerated BSN curriculum includes community experiences (Unit 5 adds volunteer hours per TESU’s ABSN overview). |
Student Experience & Campus Life
TESU is built for adult learners: many RN-to-BSN and graduate students study fully online while working shifts. Accelerated BSN students spend significant time in Trenton-area simulation and skills labs (including maternity and community-room scenarios) with optional open lab hours for practice. Student life is less “residential quad” and more professional cohort—expect intensive clinical compliance (vaccines, background checks, liability insurance) before placements. Nursing advising is available via nursing@tesu.edu per TESU’s admissions materials.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Trenton, NJ
- Address
- 111 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608, US
- Telephone
- Admission: (609) 777-5680
- Contact email
- Admission: admissions@tesu.edu · Nursing: nursing@tesu.edu
- Website
- tesu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read TESU’s Nursing Academic Programs page and confirm your pathway (ABSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. graduate).
- Open the NJCCN NCLEX page and download the latest RN quarterly PDF to locate Thomas Edison State University’s first-time pass rate for ABSN graduates.
- If you are applying to the Accelerated BSN, register for the ATI TEAS (unless you already hold a bachelor’s degree) and gather prerequisite transcripts.
- Calculate costs using the Nursing Tuition page (Board-approved June 13, 2025).
- Email admissions@tesu.edu or nursing@tesu.edu with pathway-specific questions.
- Review graduate practicum immunization and background-check rules before MSN or DNP enrollment.
- Bookmark the New Jersey Board of Nursing for licensure questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Thomas Edison State University offer a traditional four-year BSN for freshmen?
TESU’s public nursing program list does not describe a traditional freshman pre-licensure BSN. Pre-licensure RN education is delivered through the Accelerated BSN for students who already have a bachelor’s degree or at least 60 credits plus prerequisites. Licensed RNs typically enter the online RN-to-BSN. Confirm pathways on the Nursing Academic Programs page.
What is Thomas Edison State University RN-to-BSN tuition?
TESU’s Nursing Tuition page states $311 per credit for RN-to-BSN, effective the July 2025 term (registration begins May 31, 2025), for in-state and out-of-state students per Board approval. Confirm current amounts before you register.
What is the Accelerated BSN tuition at Thomas Edison State University?
Per TESU’s Nursing Tuition page (approved June 13, 2025), Accelerated BSN program tuition is $46,140 for new cohorts as of Fall 2025 (previous cohorts were $41,580), plus a $525 clinical lab technology fee per hybrid clinical course and other fees listed on that page.
Where do I find the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Thomas Edison State University?
Use the New Jersey quarterly NCLEX-RN PDFs linked from NJCCN. Locate Thomas Edison State University in the school table for the reporting quarter you need. TESU’s Accelerated BSN page references qualitative performance relative to state and national averages—confirm the numeric rate in Board data.
Does Thomas Edison State University require the TEAS for Accelerated BSN admission?
Yes. TESU’s Accelerated BSN admissions page requires the ATI TEAS with official scores sent to the university (≥70% preferred in each subcategory). The TEAS requirement is waived for applicants who already completed a bachelor’s degree.
When are Thomas Edison State University Accelerated BSN application deadlines?
TESU lists September 1 (Winter cohort), December 1 (Spring cohort), and May 30 (Fall cohort), with notes for students finishing prerequisites in December or May. Bayada Scholars track uses rolling admissions per TESU.
What is the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing accreditation status?
TESU states that baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. The post-graduate APRN certificate program is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation—candidacy is not full accreditation; confirm with TESU and CCNE.
What MSN tuition does Thomas Edison State University publish for nurse practitioner tracks?
TESU’s Nursing Tuition page lists Nurse Practitioner programs (FNP and PMHNP) at $719 per credit. DNP nursing courses are listed at $830 per credit with additional practicum fees per course.
How do I contact Thomas Edison State University nursing admissions?
TESU lists 609-777-5680 and admissions@tesu.edu for admission; nursing advising uses nursing@tesu.edu. Main address: 111 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.
References
- Thomas Edison State University — W. Cary Edwards School of Nursingtesu.edu/nursing
- TESU — Nursing Academic Programstesu.edu/…/nursing-programs.php
- TESU — Accelerated BSNtesu.edu/…/accelerated-bsn
- TESU — RN to BSN / RN to BSN-MSNtesu.edu/…/rn-bsn-msn.php
- TESU — Nursing Tuition & Fee Schedule (Board-approved June 13, 2025)tesu.edu/…/nursing/index.php
- TESU — Accelerated BSN Admissions Processtesu.edu/…/pre-nursing
- NJCCN — New Jersey Quarterly NCLEX Statisticsnjccn.org/nj-nclex
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — NCLEX-RNnjconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/…/NCLEX-RN
- New Jersey Board of Nursing (Consumer Affairs)njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)aacnnursing.org/CCNE
- National Center for Education Statistics — Thomas Edison State Universitynces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX sourcing (NJCCN / Consumer Affairs PDFs), alignment with TESU’s Board-approved nursing tuition (June 2025), and program scope (Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN/DNP).
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy