FAQs

Can I start my program at any time?
Students can enroll at Thomas Edison State College at any time by applying to the College. To apply, the Sailor would complete the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP) application either online or by via mail or fax. A $75 fee is required at the point of application. After acceptance, the student would receive an academic program evaluation outlining how previous college level credit has been applied to degree requirements

Courses are offered during 12 sixteen-week for Guided Study courses and 12 twelve-week terms for online courses. Students register by phone, fax or e-mail according to the registration periods outlined in the registration bulletin that is mailed to students upon acceptance to the college. When registering, students must also submit their tuition assistance form to the Registrar's office.

Will I be assigned an advisor, and will I be able to communicate with that person on a regular basis?
Although we do not assign students to a specific advisor, Thomas Edison State College has a long-standing tradition of providing academic advisement to students at a distance. We have a comprehensive advisement center staffed with professional advisors who specialize in one of our degree programs. The hallmark of our program is the program plan. All Navy College students will be provided with an academic program evaluation when they apply to the college. With this evaluation the student will work with an advisor to develop a program plan which maps out the courses, exams and military training they need to complete their remaining degree requirements. This program plan will also help the student develop a timeline for completion of their degree.

Students can access advisement services in a variety or ways. Many of our military students choose to use e-mail as their primary form of contact with our advisors. Students can e-mail their questions at a convenient time for them twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week without concern for time zones or daytime hours. The advisors can then thoroughly research the questions and provide a personalized response to the student. In addition, we have a toll-free contact center available to students from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. EST Monday -Friday. Students may also schedule an appointment with an advisor in their degree program during the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and during selected Saturdays with an advisor who specializes in his or her area of study. Some students mail or fax their questions as well. By allowing this multitude of methods to receive advisement, students can choose what is most comfortable and convenient for them.

We also encourage students to use our website as a resource for self-assessment, frequently asked questions, and direction on resources which will assist in their degree completion.

How much of the degree has to be taken through a partnership school to meet residency requirements?
Students must complete at least nine (9) credit hours toward an associates degree at Thomas Edison State College and 18 credit hours toward a bachelors degree to meet our residency requirements for the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP).

Will courses from other colleges transfer into your partnership school degree plan?
Courses taken at SOC member institutions are fully transferable as appropriate to the selected program of study. In addition, Thomas Edison State College will accept in transfer all courses applicable to a selected degree program providing that credit is earned at an institution accredited by one of the following regional accrediting agencies:

• Commission on Institutions of Higher Education: Commission on Technical and Career Institutions, New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Commission on Higher Education: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• Commission on Institutions of Higher Education: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Commission on Colleges: Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Commission on Colleges: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and University: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges

How will courses be delivered?
Courses are delivered in four ways: Guided Study, Guided Study with E-mail, and online courses. Guided Study courses allow independent learning in a structured format with the guidance and feedback of a faculty mentor. Designed to be completed in 16 weeks, each Guided Study course includes a week-by-week syllabus which guides students through reading and writing assignments. Faculty mentors are available for consultation by mail, phone, and on most case, e-mail.

Guided study with E-mail allows you to communicate with your faculty mentor and submit course assignments via-e-mail. Online courses follow a similar format, but use the Internet to facilitate distance learning. Students must have access to the Internet, an internet browser such as Internet Explorer 4.0 and have the ability to send and receive e-mail. Online courses follow a 12 week semester format.

Is there a placement test?
No. There are no placement tests required to be admitted to the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP).

Do you have study guides for the courses offered?
All course materials, including books, electronic media (videos, DVD, CD-ROM, etc.), and course manuals are distributed through MBS Direct. Students can purchase their materials by Internet, phone, fax or mail. Students have options in how these materials are sent that include priority mail and UPS ground, 2nd day, and next day. Students receive information on the name and office hours of their course mentor one week prior to the start of the term.

Do I have to own a computer to do distance learning?
Students are not required to use a computer for distance learning unless they plan to take online courses or Guided Study with e-mail.

Does your school accept credits from foreign institutions?
College/university foreign credits from institutions recognized by the educational authority of that country as listed in the International Handbook of Universities, World Education Series books or published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
Foreign Education Credential Service
Office of International Education Services
One Dupont Circle, NW
Suite 520
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-3359
www.aacrao.org

Can I take CLEP and other tests for credit toward a degree?
Thomas Edison State College has no limit on the acceptance of credit by examination and recognized DANTES, CLEP and Regents College Examinations. In addition the College offers over 50 examinations for credit through its TECEP® program.

Can I continue my degree while at sea?
Yes. Guided Study courses can be completed while at sea. Sailors will need to request their exams be sent before they depart so they are on file with the Test Control Officer (TCO) when they are ready to take them.

How many courses can I take at a time?
Distance education courses are very demanding and require at least as much time and commitment as a classroom based course. Students may take no more than 12 semester hours at a time, without special permissions from the Academic Dean of the College and are recommended to begin with no more than 6 semester hours.

Will tuition assistance cover the costs for this type of study?
Yes, tuition assistance will cover all Thomas Edison State College courses. You must submit your completed tuition assistance form with your course registration.

How do I apply for grants/financial aid?
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Thomas Edison State College Application for Financial Aid and return it to the Office of Financial Aid at 101 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

They must also complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and mail it to:

Federal Student Aid Programs
PO Box 4008
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-8608.

You may use the envelope that is provided with the application. Do not include money as this is a free application. If you wish to expedite this process, you may complete and submit the FAFSA over the Internet by logging onto http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. You must provide the name of Thomas Edison State College and the College's Federal School Code (011648) on page 6 of the FAFSA.

You do not have to file a FAFSA if you have completed a "Renewal Notice" from the government or have previously completed a FAFSA for the current year at a different school. You must, however, make sure that the US Department of Education knows of your intent to attend Thomas Edison State College.

Approximately four weeks after mailing the FAFSA, you will receive a "Student Aid Report" (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education. As soon as you receive this SAR, review it for accuracy. If you attended another college during the same year that you are applying for financial aid, you must request the financial aid office at this OTHER college to complete a Financial Aid Transcript and have them mail it to us. A separate transcript must be requested from each institution that you have attended within the past year.  If you are taking Proficiency Exams, Prior Learning Assessments, or courses at other colleges, you must complete the attached "Plan of Study" and return it to the Office of Financial Aid.

Does the College offer scholarships to military and family members?
Thomas Edison State College has several scholarship programs available.

How do I use my VA benefits?
To use your VA benefits, you must establish your eligibility by completing VA Form 22-1990, "Application for Education Benefits", or if you have previously attended College and received veterans' benefits, it is necessary that you complete VA Form 22-1995, "Request for Change of Program or Place of Training".

Veterans' benefits for enrolled Thomas Edison State College students can apply to Distance Learning Courses (DIAL) at Thomas Edison State College and /or courses at approved traditional colleges. Students must be enrolled in one of these learning modes to be eligible for veterans' benefits. Certification will be sent to the VA after you have registered for your courses. The VA will send your benefits to you after they receive the enrollment certification and you have established eligibility.

Does the student pay in-state or out-of-state fees?
Students in the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP) pay special NCPDLP fees.