William Paterson University of New Jersey
About William Paterson University of New Jersey
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
William Paterson University is a public university in Wayne, New Jersey. It offers programs in education, nursing, business, and the arts, and serves a diverse student body in the New York City metro area.
Founded
1855
Location
Wayne, New Jersey
Students
9,909
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
44%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,704
Out-of-state: $25,344
Avg Net Price
$18,745
After financial aid
SAT Average
1168
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$57,780
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Rolling
William Paterson University of New Jersey accepts the majority of applicants at 90.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1168/ 1600
Average: 1168 out of 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
44% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73.9%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
53%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
97.7%
$/Student
$13.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 73.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,704
In-State
$25,344
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,240
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,476
After Financial Aid
$18,745
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,171
Receive Grants
46.5%
Take Loans
42.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $28,476/yr for in-state students, including $16,240 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,745. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $25,344.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at William Paterson University of New Jersey fund their education.
While in School
46.5%
Get Grants
Free money
42.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$35,457
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,334
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$237/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,334 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends William Paterson University of New Jersey.
Gender
61.3%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,614
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,295
Graduates
43.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
32.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 43.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
6,614
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
William Paterson University of New Jersey fields 11 varsity teams with 306 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
New Jersey
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
306
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
194
Men
112
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of William Paterson University of New Jerseyearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$57,780
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$92K
419 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
179 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$36K
123 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$32K
101 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$31K
80 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$43K
78 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $58K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about William Paterson University of New Jersey
What is the acceptance rate at William Paterson University of New Jersey?▾
How much does William Paterson University of New Jersey cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at William Paterson University of New Jersey?▾
How much do William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.