At $17,764/yr net price, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates earn $57,780/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,780/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,764 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,780/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,780/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,334 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,420/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,010/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,978/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,823/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,237/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
47.7% of students at William Paterson University of New Jersey graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
William Paterson University delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right majors, but your program selection will make or break your investment. With a net price under $18,000 annually and manageable debt levels, the school offers decent value in New Jersey's expensive higher education market.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates earning nearly $77,000 with relatively low debt of $21,793. Business administration also pays off well at over $65,000 in median earnings. However, communication disorders graduates face a concerning debt-to-income ratio with $40,758 in loans against $68,079 in earnings, requiring careful financial planning despite decent salaries.
The 47% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees, wasting tuition dollars and time. The 73% retention rate suggests many departures happen after freshman year, so your first-year performance becomes critical for protecting your investment.
You should consider William Paterson if you plan to study nursing, business, or education and want to stay in the New York metro area job market. The school works financially for students who can handle to graduation and choose career-focused majors. However, look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or prefer programs outside the school's strengths.
With less than half of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree on time in a high-earning program. The relatively low sticker price means less room for aid, but also less need for it compared to private alternatives in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Paterson University of New Jersey worth the cost?
William Paterson offers decent value for specific programs, particularly nursing and communication disorders, but the overall 47% graduation rate and $57,780 median earnings create mixed ROI. The relatively low net price of $17,764 helps, but students should target high-paying programs to maximize value.
What are the best paying majors at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
Nursing programs lead with $76,946 median earnings, followed by communication disorders at $68,079 and business administration at $65,238. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall median earnings of $57,780.
How much debt do William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $22,334, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with nearly half of students not completing their degree, the debt-to-completion risk is concerning for students who don't finish.
Does William Paterson University of New Jersey have good financial aid?
The net price of $17,764 per year suggests reasonable financial aid for a state university. This lower cost helps offset the moderate post-graduation earnings, making it accessible for students targeting the school's stronger programs.