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.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
William Paterson University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its mission of educational access and economic mobility. The institution serves 44.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly half of enrolled students come from families earning under approximately $50,000 annually, well above typical rates at many four-year institutions. First-generation college students comprise 43.9% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in reaching families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 52.4% of enrollment, reflecting the institution's role in providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or transferring from other institutions. This high transfer rate indicates William Paterson serves as an destination for students seeking to complete their bachelor's degrees after starting their higher education journey elsewhere. The combination of high Pell eligibility, substantial first-generation enrollment, and majority transfer population creates a student body characterized by diverse educational backgrounds and economic circumstances. These demographic patterns align with the university's Mobility Engine designation, as the institution successfully attracts students who stand to benefit most from higher education's economic mobility potential. For prospective students, these enrollment patterns indicate you will join peers from similar backgrounds who are navigating higher education and career preparation together, creating a supportive environment for students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds.
Given William Paterson University's 92.5% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most academically prepared students. However, students seeking alternatives or comparison options should consider these institutions with similar missions and outcomes.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
William Paterson University demonstrates solid retention and completion outcomes relative to its open access mission and diverse student demographics. The institution maintains a 72.7% freshman retention rate, slightly below the peer median of 73.2%, indicating most students who enroll continue to sophomore year. The overall graduation rate reaches 47.7%, while Pell-eligible students complete at 57.8%, creating a positive 10.1 percentage point gap that indicates strong institutional support for lower-income students. This positive Pell gap—where Pell students outperform the overall population—is noteworthy and suggests effective academic and financial support systems for students from lower-income backgrounds. The higher completion rate among Pell students may reflect their stronger motivation and the university's targeted support programs for first-generation and lower-income students. Transfer students, who comprise 52.4% of enrollment, contribute to the completion rate patterns, as transfer timing affects traditional graduation rate calculations. Students who gain admission and enroll can expect institutional support systems designed to help them persist through degree completion, particularly if they are first-generation or Pell-eligible. The positive outcomes for Pell students indicate that lower-income students who choose William Paterson University typically find the academic and support environment conducive to degree completion and subsequent career advancement.
Similar quality tier in Northeast (#203 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Similar quality tier (#212 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#211 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#215 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#209 ranked)
Similar quality tier (#206 ranked)
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools