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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,555 |
| Tuition and Fees | $24,464 |
| Room and Board | $15,990 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,791 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,764 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,420 |
| $30–48k | $17,010 |
| $48–75k | $17,978 |
| $75–110k | $20,823 |
| $110k+ | $23,237 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
William Paterson University graduates complete their education with median debt of $22,334, slightly above the peer median of $21,105 but within reasonable ranges for public university graduates. Debt levels vary considerably, with the 25th percentile borrowing $7,500 and the 75th percentile reaching $27,000, indicating that one quarter of graduates complete their degrees with minimal borrowing while others require more substantial loans.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 indicates sustainable borrowing levels, as graduates earn sufficient income to manage loan payments without excessive financial stress. Median monthly payments on federal loans approximate $255 with standard 10-year repayment, representing a manageable portion of typical graduate income.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
William Paterson University represents a solid educational investment despite higher costs than peer institutions, driven primarily by exceptional earnings performance that significantly exceeds expectations. Graduates earn $16,311 beyond predicted outcomes based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking at the 92.1st percentile nationally for value-added performance.
The median earnings of $57,780 exceed the peer median by $7,664, providing graduates with enhanced earning capacity that justifies the higher net cost of $17,764. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 remains within sustainable ranges, indicating graduates possess adequate income to manage educational debt while benefiting from the earnings premium the university provides.
The combination of accessible admission, strong support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students, and exceptional economic mobility outcomes creates favorable conditions for return on educational investment. Students from lower-income backgrounds particularly benefit from this investment profile, as the university's effectiveness in generating earnings beyond expectations translates into meaningful economic advancement opportunities.
William Paterson University's financial aid approach reflects its mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds, with 44.5% of students receiving Pell grants indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income families. The average financial aid package provides $8,791 in savings from the published cost of attendance, though this falls short of making the university as affordable as peer institutions with lower net costs.
The aid structure demonstrates progressive targeting, with families earning under $30,000 receiving significant support to reduce their net cost to $15,420, well below the overall average of $17,764. Middle-income families earning between $48,000 and $75,000 face net costs close to the institutional average, while higher-income families approach the full published cost.
The university's location in northern New Jersey, with proximity to New York City employment markets, may justify higher costs through enhanced internship, networking, and career opportunities, though this creates affordability challenges for students from lower-income backgrounds. The aid packaging appears designed to maintain access for Pell-eligible students while expecting higher-income families to contribute more substantially toward educational costs.
Parent PLUS loans show median balances of $17,332 with monthly payments around $228, indicating families supplement student borrowing with additional financing when needed. The debt outcomes reflect the university's higher net cost compared to peer institutions, though the strong earnings performance of $57,780 median income provides graduates with capacity to manage these debt levels effectively.
