Colleges › New Jersey › William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson University of New Jersey admits nearly everyone — 90.1% of applicants. A feature, not a flaw: the page below asks whether William Paterson University of New Jersey is worth attending, not whether you'll get in.
Not sure where you stand? Estimate your GPA →
William Paterson University of New Jersey occupies suburban Wayne, NJ — a public campus quieter than a downtown one, closer to one than a rural seat.
Its highest-earning path is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, where graduates median $101,328 four years out. Faculty pay averages $160,752 a year here — a rough proxy for what the school spends on the teaching itself. With 6,614 undergraduates and a residential core, weekends happen on campus — and 73.9% of first-years come back for a second year.
What that means for you depends on the numbers — which is what the rest of this page is for.
Admissions
In the Fall 2023 cycle, William Paterson University of New Jersey received 7,754 applications and admitted 7,174 (92.5%), with 883 enrolling.
How William Paterson University of New Jersey compares
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | New Jersey median | National median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 90.1% | 78.6% | 77.2% |
| Tuition (in-state) | $15,704 | $17,014 | $19,591 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $57,780 | $58,902 | $53,781 |
Ten years out, William Paterson University of New Jersey's median earnings are $57,780 — below the New Jersey benchmark of $58,902. Weigh that against the $15,704 price above; the by-major table shows majors drive much of this gap.
Cost, size & completion
As a public university, William Paterson University of New Jersey prices by residency: $15,704 in-state versus $25,344 out-of-state — a $9,640 gap that makes state lines part of the decision.
William Paterson University of New Jersey enrolls 6,614 undergraduates — mid-sized, with the trade-offs William Paterson University of New Jersey's scale implies: more programs than a small college, more anonymity too.
44% graduate within six years. Roughly 56% don't — ask a William Paterson University of New Jersey tour guide what happens to them and watch the answer carefully.
Top majors by earnings at William Paterson University of New Jersey
| Bachelor's program | Median earnings, 4 yrs after completion |
|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $101,328 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $76,282 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $71,745 |
| Mathematics | $71,340 |
| Biology, General | $71,026 |
| Economics | $70,705 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $70,356 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $66,745 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $63,203 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $63,108 |
| Marketing | $61,156 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,108 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | $55,592 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $54,607 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,589 |
| Sociology | $53,253 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $51,502 |
| International Business | $49,470 |
| Psychology, General | $48,985 |
| Political Science and Government | $48,101 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $46,711 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $44,298 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $42,632 |
| Music | $39,553 |
Median earnings for these 24 William Paterson University of New Jersey programs come from a different federal cohort than the campus-wide $57,780 above — compare rows to each other, not to that 10-year figure. 21 additional William Paterson University of New Jersey programs have earnings withheld under federal privacy rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is William Paterson University of New Jersey's acceptance rate?
92.5% in the Fall 2023 cycle — 7,174 admitted from 7,754 applicants.
How much does William Paterson University of New Jersey cost?
In-state tuition is $15,704; out-of-state students pay $25,344. Fees, housing and aid move the real total in both directions.
What do William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates earn?
Federal data puts median earnings at $57,780 ten years after enrolling. The table above breaks this down by major.
Similar colleges in New Jersey
- Stockton University — 88.9% admitted
- Saint Peter's University — 90.3% admitted
- Rabbinical College of America — 95.2% admitted
- Montclair State University — 87.9% admitted
Run your own numbers
Data: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Jun 2026), IPEDS ADM2023/HD2024. Retrieved 2026-09-01. Figures reflect the latest federal cohorts, which lag the current admissions cycle.