Stockton University Teams Up with TESU’s NJ PLAN: What This Means for Students and the Community | ROI-NJ

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) recently welcomed Stockton University to the New Jersey Prior Learning Assessment Network (NJ PLAN). This statewide initiative helps students earn college credits for their existing knowledge and experiences.

The partnership was celebrated on Stockton’s Galloway campus on June 5. It aims to give Stockton students access to TESU’s well-regarded Credit for Prior Learning options. Through NJ PLAN, students can receive credit for their knowledge gained from work, military service, community involvement, and self-study. This can lead to quicker degree completions, lower tuition fees, and less student debt.

Dr. Cynthia Baum, provost of TESU, highlighted the partnership’s importance, saying, “It reflects our shared commitment to providing flexible, affordable pathways to degree attainment for students in New Jersey.” Stockton’s Provost, Dr. Michael Palladino, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the benefits for students, such as recognizing their unique experiences to help them achieve their academic goals more efficiently.

Stockton is the latest college to join NJ PLAN, which aims to enhance access to education and improve graduation rates. By recognizing practical learning as academic credit, NJ PLAN allows more students to complete their degrees on their own terms.

Recent statistics show that similar programs across the country have helped many students save money and graduate faster. A study from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning found that adult learners who receive credit for prior learning can finish their degrees up to 40% faster than those who don’t. This trend highlights a growing recognition of experiential learning in higher education.

As educational institutions adapt to changing needs, programs like NJ PLAN may become increasingly vital. They not only support students in their educational journeys, but also contribute to a more educated workforce, benefiting the community as a whole.

In today’s world, where lifelong learning is essential, such partnerships signify a positive shift. They recognize that learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom; it can occur anywhere life takes you.

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