Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $57,780
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,334
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 56.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $237/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,946 | $21,793 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $68,079 | $40,758 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,238 | $21,066 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $64,493 | $26,449 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $59,722 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,738 | $27,245 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $52,607 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,420 | $24,020 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $51,482 | $25,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $49,491 | $20,834 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $19,786 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $45,231 | $20,750 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,971 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,798 | $49,500 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
Outcomes Overview
William Paterson graduates earn a median salary of $57,780 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 with typical debt loads of $22,334. Monthly loan payments of $237 consume about 4.9% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong music and education programs funnel graduates into teaching, arts administration, and performance careers that prioritize passion over peak earnings. With a 93.8% employment rate and relatively affordable tuition keeping debt low, graduates avoid the crushing loan burdens common at pricier institutions. Despite modest starting salaries typical of education and arts fields, William Paterson delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking stable, meaningful careers.