Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
William Paterson University of New Jersey logo

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ·Public·6,526 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state New Jersey residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 6,526 students.

93%
Accept
6,526
Students
$17,764
Net Price
48%
Grad Rate
$49,100
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public institution located in Wayne, New Jersey with approximately 6,526 undergraduate students enrolled. William Paterson University of New Jersey has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 93%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,764 per year. The graduation rate is 48%, and the typical graduate earns $49,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

William Paterson University, known as WP, officially William Paterson University of New Jersey (WPUNJ), is a public university in Wayne, New Jersey, United States. It is part of New Jersey's public system of higher education.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $17,764/year average net price and only $15,750 in median debt at graduation, the cost side is genuinely manageable for a public university in the New Jersey metro area. However, a 48% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly half of students who start don't finish — and that warrants an honest conversation about what support systems you'll need in place to be in the half that does. Worth considering if you're budget-conscious and have a clear plan, but go in with eyes open.

Founded
1855
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions28%
Business & Marketing13%
Psychology10%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Communications5%
Computer Science4%
Social Sciences4%
Education4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Ian ZieringRay ToroJoseph D. PistoneJoey TravoltaRichie Adubato

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$15,150
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,464
Avg Net Price
$17,764
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants44%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
48%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
73%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$49,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White32%
Black20%
Hispanic/Latino34%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,526 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

William Paterson University of New Jersey

300 Pompton Rd

Wayne, NJ 07470

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New Jersey

Browse all New Jersey schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.