Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University has joined a statewide initiative titled the New Jersey Prior Learning Assessment Network (NJ PLAN) powered by Thomas Edison State University (TESU) that helps students earn college credit for what they already know.

The two universities celebrated the partnership on the Stockton University campus in Galloway, N.J., on Thursday, June 5.

This collaboration will expand Stockton students’ access to Thomas Edison’s nationally recognized Credit for Prior Learning options. Through NJ PLAN, students can be assessed for college-level knowledge acquired outside the traditional classroom – whether through work, military training, community service, independent study or other life experiences. The results are faster degree completion, reduced tuition costs and less student debt.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing flexible, affordable pathways to degree attainment for New Jersey’s students,” said Cynthia Baum, provost of Thomas Edison State University, who joined Stockton Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Palladino at the ceremony. “Stockton University’s participation in NJ PLAN gives their students greater access to innovative tools that recognize the real value of experiential learning and help them move forward with purpose.”

Stockton is the latest institution to join the NJ PLAN network, which is designed to support New Jersey’s strategic goals of increasing higher education access and improving college completion rates statewide. By converting real-world learning into academic credit, NJ PLAN enables more students to earn degrees on their own terms.

“This partnership reflects Stockton’s commitment to meeting students where they are — recognizing their unique experiences, supporting their academic journeys, and helping them achieve their educational goals more efficiently and affordably,” Palladino said. “Student success is a strategic priority for the University. By embracing innovative approaches like Credit for Prior Learning, we are empowering our diverse student body to accelerate degree completion, reduce costs and ultimately transform their lives and communities through education.”

For more information about NJ PLAN, visit njplan.org.