About William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson has built its reputation around music and education programs that draw from northern New Jersey's diverse communities. The university enrolls 6,526 students on a large suburban campus in Wayne, serving primarily as a commuter school. Notable graduates include actor Wayne Knight from Seinfeld and NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, who earned his MBA here. With a 91.53% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students across academic backgrounds.
Students pay an average net price of $17,764 after financial aid, making it accessible for working families. Graduates earn a median of $57,780 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $22,334. The employment rate hits 93.8%, suggesting strong job placement despite the modest 47.70% six-year graduation rate. Monthly loan payments average $237, manageable against those earning levels.
The student body reflects New Jersey's diversity, with 33.85% Hispanic students, 20.09% Black students, and 32.26% White students. Women outnumber men at 61.48% of enrollment. Nearly 96% of students come from in-state, reinforcing the school's role as a regional institution. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, while 72.66% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Students pay an average net price of $17,764 after financial aid, making it accessible for working families. Graduates earn a median of $57,780 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $22,334. The employment rate hits 93.8%, suggesting strong job placement despite the modest 47.70% six-year graduation rate. Monthly loan payments average $237, manageable against those earning levels.
The student body reflects New Jersey's diversity, with 33.85% Hispanic students, 20.09% Black students, and 32.26% White students. Women outnumber men at 61.48% of enrollment. Nearly 96% of students come from in-state, reinforcing the school's role as a regional institution. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, while 72.66% of freshmen return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
William Paterson built its reputation around music and education programs that attract students throughout northern New Jersey. The university operates as a full public institution where 61.48% of students are women, reflecting strong enrollment in education and liberal arts. Students work with faculty at a 17:1 ratio, though the 51.94% four-year graduation rate suggests many take longer to finish their degrees. The school's commuter-heavy culture means 95.81% of students come from in-state, creating a regional focus. Notable programs include the acclaimed music conservatory and teacher preparation tracks. With 6,526 total students, William Paterson maintains a mid-sized environment where students can access diverse academic offerings while staying close to home.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,780
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,946 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $68,079 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,238 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $64,493 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $59,722 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,738 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $52,607 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,420 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $51,482 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $49,491 |
Campus Life
William Paterson sits 20 miles west of Manhattan in suburban Wayne, where students need winter coats for snowy New Jersey winters and light layers for humid summers. Only about 23% of the 6,526 students live in campus housing, making this primarily a commuter school where many drive home after classes. The campus buzzes during weekdays but quiets considerably on weekends as students scatter across northern New Jersey.
The music program draws serious performers to practice rooms and concert halls, while education majors fill classrooms preparing for teaching careers. With 95.81% of students coming from in-state, many already have friend groups from high school and jobs back home. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students, especially in smaller upper-level classes. Weekend activities center around the 268 student-athletes competing in Division III sports and occasional campus events, but many students prefer exploring nearby Willowbrook Mall or catching a train into New York City. The Pioneers create their own traditions around music performances and education field experiences rather than big campus-wide celebrations.
The music program draws serious performers to practice rooms and concert halls, while education majors fill classrooms preparing for teaching careers. With 95.81% of students coming from in-state, many already have friend groups from high school and jobs back home. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students, especially in smaller upper-level classes. Weekend activities center around the 268 student-athletes competing in Division III sports and occasional campus events, but many students prefer exploring nearby Willowbrook Mall or catching a train into New York City. The Pioneers create their own traditions around music performances and education field experiences rather than big campus-wide celebrations.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,486 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
36 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–39°F
- July Avg
- 65°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.2"
Student Demographics
William Paterson draws students who want quality education close to home. Nearly 96% come from New Jersey, reflecting the university's strong reputation among local families. The student body is remarkably diverse, with students of color making up about two-thirds of enrollment. Women outnumber men 61% to 38%, largely due to the school's popular education and nursing programs. With 44% receiving Pell Grants, William Paterson serves many first-generation college students from working-class families across northern New Jersey who value affordable, accessible higher education.
- Men
- 38.5%
- Women
- 61.5%
- White
- 32.3%
- Black
- 20.1%
- Hispanic
- 33.9%
- Asian
- 7.1%
- In-State Students
- 95.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 44.5%
Location
Wayne sits in the suburban sprawl of northern New Jersey, roughly 20 miles west of Manhattan. The campus occupies 370 acres in Passaic County, where strip malls and residential neighborhoods define the landscape. Nearly 96% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's role as a regional destination for New Jersey residents. The area lacks the traditional college town atmosphere since most of the 6,526 students commute rather than live on campus. Housing capacity reaches only 1,486 students, reinforcing the commuter culture. The proximity to New York City provides internship and job opportunities, with graduates earning a median of $57,780 ten years after enrollment. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare William Paterson University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Wayne, New Jersey 07470
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,780
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,765
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $237/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,334
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
William Paterson accepts 91.53% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1168, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a diverse range of students from northern New Jersey.
How much does William Paterson University of New Jersey cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,764 after financial aid, with 44.47% receiving some form of assistance. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $15,420, making this public university particularly affordable for lower-income students.
What academic programs is William Paterson University of New Jersey known for?
The university has built its reputation around strong music and education programs that serve the region. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid attention in these professional preparation programs that have long been the school's calling cards.
What are the graduation rates at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
The four-year graduation rate stands at 51.94%, while the six-year rate reaches 47.70%. These numbers reflect the reality of serving many first-generation college students and commuters who often balance work with their studies.
Where do students live at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
Campus housing accommodates 1,486 students, though this primarily commuter school serves a student body that is 95.81% from New Jersey. Most of the 6,526 students live at home and commute to the suburban Wayne campus.
Does William Paterson University of New Jersey offer athletic scholarships?
The university provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution that emphasizes academics over athletics. The Pioneers field 12 varsity sports with 268 total athletes competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
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