William Paterson University Of New Jersey

William Paterson University maintains open access admission, accepting 92.5% of applicants, which means roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This admission rate places the university well above the peer median of 84.6%, reflecting the institution's commitment to educational access rather than selectivity-based exclusivity.

The university operates under New Jersey's public mission to provide broad access to higher education, making it significantly more accessible than selective institutions that admit fewer than 25% of applicants. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates that meeting basic eligibility requirements typically results in acceptance, though students should still submit competitive applications demonstrating academic preparation and program fit.

This level of accessibility means students can focus on academic preparation and program selection rather than strategizing around highly competitive admission processes. The open access mission aligns with William Paterson's role as a Mobility Engine institution, where educational opportunity converts into strong post-graduation outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds.

Students should view William Paterson as an accessible option while recognizing that admission represents the beginning of academic preparation for career success rather than an exclusive achievement in itself.

William Paterson University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,555 annually, including $24,464 in out-of-state tuition, $15,990 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. In-state students benefit from reduced tuition of $15,150, creating significant savings for New Jersey residents.

However, the average student pays $17,764 after financial aid, representing $8,791 in average aid savings from the sticker price. This net price sits above the peer median of $14,093, indicating William Paterson costs more than similar public institutions serving comparable student populations.

The higher net cost reflects the university's location in the New York metropolitan area, where living expenses and operational costs exceed national averages. Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $15,420 for families earning under $30,000 to $23,237 for families earning over $110,000.

The $7,817 gap between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates progressive aid targeting that makes the university more accessible for lower-income families while requiring higher-income families to pay closer to full cost. For prospective students, the actual cost depends heavily on family income and residency status, making personalized financial aid estimates essential for college planning.

William Paterson University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time, with median earnings growing from $44,928 six years after enrollment to $52,612 at eight years and $57,780 at ten years, representing 28.6% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on robust cohort sizes of 3,062 at six years, 3,498 at eight years, and 3,476 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures across multiple graduation classes.

The university generates $16,311 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing William Paterson at the 92.1st percentile for earnings uplift—a measure of institutional effectiveness in translating educational access into economic outcomes. Low-income graduates earn $46,300, reflecting strong support for students from lower-income backgrounds who represent 44.5% of enrollment.

Earnings span from $36,177 at the 25th percentile to $80,501 at the 75th percentile, with the 2.2:1 ratio reflecting variation across academic programs and career trajectories. Approximately 21.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating the university serves both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Compared to peer institutions with similar student demographics and characteristics, William Paterson graduates earn $7,664 more annually.

William Paterson University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads in earnings with graduates earning $85,837 median salary, ranking #86 nationally and #6 in New Jersey with 87 graduates annually.

Artificial Intelligence ranks #111 nationally and #8 in New Jersey, producing 81 graduates with median earnings of $73,887 and demonstrating the university's strength in emerging technology fields. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #106 nationally and #5 in New Jersey, graduating 85 students with median earnings of $65,568.

Psychology, General represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 235 students annually with median earnings of $44,968 and ranking #121 nationally. Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #52 nationally and #2 in New Jersey, graduating 100 students with median earnings of $51,866.

Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling achieves exceptional ranking at #3 nationally and #1 in New Jersey, though with smaller cohort size of 57 graduates earning $51,923. These programs demonstrate William Paterson's strength across health professions, business, technology, and social sciences, providing students diverse pathways to strong career outcomes.