William Paterson University delivers above average return on investment, ranking at the 70.8th percentile nationally with strong performance driven by exceptional earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $16,311 more than predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, placing the university at the 92.1st percentile for value-added performance. Median earnings of $57,780 ten years after enrollment exceed the peer median by $7,664, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in generating career outcomes that surpass similar institutions. Student debt remains manageable at $22,334, slightly above the peer median of $21,105, resulting in a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. This combination indicates graduates possess adequate earning capacity to manage educational debt while benefiting from the significant earnings premium the university provides. The return performance reflects William Paterson's strength as a Mobility Engine institution, converting educational access into meaningful economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly the 44.5% who are Pell-eligible and 43.9% who are first-generation college students.
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.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at William Paterson University show meaningful variation across academic programs and career paths, with the distribution spanning from $36,177 at the 25th percentile to $80,501 at the 75th percentile. This 2.2:1 ratio reflects differences in field of study and post-graduation career trajectories, with nursing graduates earning $85,837 while psychology graduates earn $44,968. Computer science through the Artificial Intelligence program produces median earnings of $73,887, while business-related programs like Banking and Financial Support Services generate $65,568 and Accounting Technology produces $61,075. The earnings trajectory shows consistent growth patterns, with 28.6% improvement between the six-year and ten-year marks, suggesting graduates advance in their careers over time. With cohort sizes exceeding 3,000 graduates at each measurement point, these figures reflect outcomes across the university's full range of academic programs rather than isolated high-earning tracks, providing confidence in the broad-based nature of William Paterson's earnings performance.
Financial justification for the investment.
The earnings distribution at William Paterson University spans from $36,177 at the 25th percentile to $80,501 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.2:1 ratio that reflects variation across academic programs and individual career paths. Low-income graduates earn $46,300, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds who comprise nearly half the student body. This earnings spread indicates diverse program offerings create multiple pathways to career success, with nursing and technology programs generating higher earnings while social sciences and liberal arts provide solid middle-class outcomes.
Approximately 21.8% of William Paterson University graduates continue to graduate or professional school, indicating the university prepares students effectively for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways. This continuation rate reflects strong undergraduate preparation across academic programs, with confidence level rated as high based on program mix analysis. Students benefit from dual pathways depending on career goals and field requirements.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings at William Paterson University demonstrate the institution's diverse strengths across health, business, and technology fields. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads with $85,837 median earnings, reflecting high demand and compensation in healthcare professions. Artificial Intelligence produces $73,887, positioning graduates for technology sector opportunities with strong growth potential. Business programs span from Banking and Financial Support Services at $65,568 to Accounting Technology at $61,075, providing multiple pathways to solid business careers. Psychology, the university's largest program with 235 graduates, produces $44,968 median earnings while serving students interested in social services and healthcare support roles. Exercise Science and Kinesiology delivers $51,866 with strong national ranking at #52, demonstrating the university's effectiveness across health and wellness preparation. Clinical Pastoral Counseling achieves exceptional #3 national ranking with $51,923 earnings, highlighting specialized program excellence. This program diversity enables students from different backgrounds and interests to find pathways to economic advancement through higher education.
Upper quartile, 10-year field
The earnings distribution at William Paterson University spans from $36,177 at the 25th percentile to $80,501 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.2:1 ratio that reflects variation across academic programs and individual career paths. Low-income graduates earn $46,300, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds who comprise nearly half the student body. This earnings spread indicates diverse program offerings create multiple pathways to career success, with nursing and technology programs generating higher earnings while social sciences and liberal arts provide solid middle-class outcomes.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
