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PublicSuburban

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, New Jersey 07470

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Health sciencesSuburban

Known for health sciences — excellent value

William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public institution in Wayne with particular strength in health sciences and business.

A mid-sized campus of 6.5K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

48% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $57,780 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,764.

Established
1855
Mascot
Pio (since 2021)
Type
Public university
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

3 upcoming visits · Next: Sat, Jun 6 · Campus Tour

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93%Acceptance
SAT Avg
6,526Students
17:1Student:Faculty
48%Grad Rate
$57,780Earnings 10yr
$17,764Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate92.5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$15,150
Tuition (out-of-state)$24,464
Room & Board$15,990
Books & Supplies$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance$26,555
Average Net Price$17,764
Median Debt at Graduation$22,334
Monthly Payment (10yr)$237

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$15,420
$30–48K$17,010
$48–75K$17,978
$75–110K$20,823
$110K+$23,237

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

58.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

4.4%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,750

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

46

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

11

Burglary

2

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

4

Motor Vehicle Theft

5

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

13

Drug Arrests

10

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (83)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

73%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
6,526
Gender Split
61% / 39%
Women / Men
First Generation
44%
Pell Grant Recipients
44%

Race & Ethnicity

White 32%
Black 20%
Hispanic 34%
Asian 7%
Two+ 2%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate47.7%
Freshman Retention72.7%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$44,928
10 Years$57,780

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

Varsity Sports

BaseballSoftball

History & Fun Facts

  • History Hobart Manor William Paterson University was founded in 1855 as the Paterson City Normal School.
  • The original manor house was built in 1877 in the style of a castle, and was the home of John McCullough, a Scottish immigrant who made a fortune in the wool industry.
  • Hobart Manor was designated a national and state landmark in 1976.
  • The university changed its name to Paterson State Teachers College when it relocated from Paterson in 1951.
  • In 1966, the curriculum was expanded to include degree offerings other than those leading to a teaching career.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

127Very High

Estimated from NJ state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

New Yorkpop. 8.3M
19 mi(33 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
85 mi(147 min)
Bostonpop. 675K
189 mi(328 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

EWR Newark Liberty18 mi
LGA New York LaGuardia21 mi
JFK New York JFK30 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA189 mi · ~5h 28m drive
New York, NY19 mi · ~33 min drive
Hartford, CT97 mi · ~2h 48m drive
Providence, RI157 mi · ~4h 32m drive
Albany, NY120 mi · ~3h 28m drive
Syracuse, NY176 mi · ~5h 5m drive
Rochester, NY232 mi · ~6h 42m drive
Buffalo, NY275 mi · ~7h 57m drive
Philadelphia, PA85 mi · ~2h 27m drive
Pittsburgh, PA306 mi · ~8h 50m drive
Harrisburg, PA148 mi · ~4h 17m drive
Newark, NJ15 mi · ~26 min drive
Trenton, NJ58 mi · ~1h 41m drive
Southern (moderate winters, warm summers)

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