Students at William Paterson University achieve earnings that substantially exceed what similar students earn at other institutions, reflecting one of the stronger earnings advantages among regional public universities.
The university's "Mobility Engine" designation demonstrates its exceptional ability to help students from diverse backgrounds achieve meaningful economic progress.
Azimuth ranks William Paterson University of New Jersey 52nd percentile nationally among public four-year institutions, reflecting solid overall value with particular strength in supporting student success across diverse backgrounds. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants and 44% are first-generation college students, yet the university consistently delivers earnings outcomes that exceed expectations by a substantial margin. Graduates earn a median of $57,780 ten years after enrollment, with the institution posting one of the stronger earnings beyond expectations performances in the region.
What distinguishes William Paterson is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with meaningful upward mobility outcomes. The university serves a diverse student population while maintaining graduation rates and earnings levels that help students achieve real economic progress. Located in Wayne, New Jersey, this medium-sized public university offers the personal attention of a smaller institution with the resources and program breadth needed to support students from varied academic and economic backgrounds.
The combination of accessible admissions, manageable costs, and strong long-term financial outcomes makes William Paterson an attractive option for families seeking reliable return on investment without the premium pricing or competitive admissions processes found at more selective institutions.
William Paterson University's program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation with strong outcomes across healthcare, social sciences, and liberal arts fields. Adult Health Nursing stands out with graduates earning $76,946 early in their careers, reflecting the high demand for healthcare professionals in the New Jersey region and the program's strong clinical partnerships. Psychology, the university's largest program with 235 graduates, demonstrates the institution's ability to scale quality education while maintaining solid placement outcomes, even though individual earnings of $31,133 reflect the field's typical early-career patterns.
The university's strength lies in preparing students for stable, growing career fields rather than concentrating in any single high-earning sector. Biology graduates earning $28,381 often continue to graduate or professional programs, while the diverse program mix allows students to find pathways that match their interests and career goals. This approach aligns with the university's mission of serving a broad student population and providing multiple routes to economic advancement.
What makes William Paterson's programs particularly effective is their consistent ability to help graduates achieve earnings beyond expectations across different fields. Whether students pursue healthcare, education, business, or liberal arts, they benefit from the university's strong employer relationships, career services, and alumni networks that facilitate successful transitions into the workforce and long-term career growth.
Graduates of William Paterson University see solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $57,780, and the university delivers earnings beyond expectations of approximately $16,311 compared with similar students at other institutions nationwide. This substantial earnings advantage places William Paterson among the stronger performers for helping students achieve higher-than-expected financial outcomes, particularly impressive given the university's broad access mission.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Adult Health Nursing leads in early-career earnings at $76,946, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the New Jersey region. Psychology, the university's largest program with 235 graduates, produces the highest aggregate return despite more moderate individual earnings of $31,133, demonstrating the program's scale and consistent placement outcomes. Biology graduates start at $28,381, typical for students often continuing to graduate or professional school.
The university's program mix emphasizes professional preparation across healthcare, education, business, and liberal arts fields. This diversity allows students to find pathways that match their interests while benefiting from the institution's overall track record of helping graduates earn more than similar students elsewhere. The consistent earnings advantage across programs suggests that William Paterson's career services, employer relationships, and alumni networks effectively support student transitions into the workforce.
William Paterson University offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families seeking quality education without excessive financial burden. Low-income students pay approximately $15,420 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $17,978 per year — both figures representing solid value for a comprehensive public university in the New Jersey region. Even higher-income families pay $23,237 annually, a reasonable figure for the educational quality and outcomes the institution provides.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $22,334 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $17,332. These amounts are moderate compared with many regional universities, and the institution's strong track record of helping students achieve earnings beyond expectations means graduates are generally well-positioned to handle repayment obligations. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after leaving school.
What makes William Paterson particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and strong long-term earning potential. With median earnings of $57,780 ten years out and a substantial earnings advantage over similar institutions, graduates typically find themselves in solid financial position to repay what they borrowed while building wealth over time.
William Paterson University Of New Jersey Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
