Sweeney & Cunningham Praise Thomas Edison’s Statewide ‘3-Plus-1’ Plan

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Higher Education Chair Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham praised Thomas Edison State University’s enactment of a statewide “3-Plus-1” plan, designed to make college more accessible and affordable.

“Thomas Edison has long been a great resource for adults looking to continue their education and the introduction of a 3-plus-1 option is a great addition,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “This program will provide a pathway to the middleclass for individuals who may not have had the time, money or opportunity to attend a four year institution earlier in life.”

The 3-Plus-1 degree program, created through legislation authored by Senators Sweeney and Cunningham, allows students to complete three years at a county college followed by one year at a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Thomas Edison is making it available to every county college in the state.

The law, enacted in December of 2018, was part of a larger package of bills developed by Senators Sweeney, Senator Cunningham and other Senate colleagues, aimed at addressing college affordability in the state.

“It is exciting to see colleges choosing to participate in the 3-plus-1 program and Thomas Edison is a great fit,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson). “Through this program countless adults will be able to take courses at their local community college and complete their degree online with Thomas Edison. The flexibility and affordability of the program will allow individuals to earn their bachelors, who may have previously written off the possibility of getting a degree.”

Thomas Edison State University is a public institution of higher education located in Trenton, New Jersey, which mainly offers courses online. It offers alternative methods of achieving a collegiate education of the highest quality to busy adults in the state.

Senators Sweeney and Cunningham encouraged other colleges and universities to take advantage of the program.