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Public, 4-year

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, New Jersey · www.wpunj.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

90.1%

2025

Peer median 85.8%

Out-of-state tuition

$25,344

In-state $15,704

Peer median $18,658

Undergraduates

6,647

Student-faculty ratio 18:1

Peer median 16 : 1

Graduation rate

36.8%

4-year; 6-year rate 56.0%

Peer median 29.5%

“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

William Paterson University of New Jersey, located in Wayne, New Jersey, is a public university that boasts a diverse and vibrant academic community. Established in 1855, it has a rich history and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, education, arts, and sciences. The university prides itself on its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive environment for students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, the university ensures personalized attention and mentoring, which enhances the learning experience. Faculty members are not only distinguished educators but also active researchers and practitioners in their respective fields, contributing to a dynamic learning atmosphere.

The campus culture at William Paterson University is characterized by its inclusivity and engagement in extracurricular activities. Students can participate in over 100 clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to cultural and recreational activities. This vibrant student life is complemented by various athletic programs, as the university competes in NCAA Division III sports. The university's commitment to community service and social responsibility is reflected in its emphasis on experiential learning opportunities and initiatives that encourage student involvement in local and global communities. Notable alumni from William Paterson University include successful professionals in various industries, showcasing the university's ability to prepare students for rewarding careers post-graduation. Overall, William Paterson University is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.

Analysis of Key Metrics at William Paterson University

The data from William Paterson University reveals noteworthy trends in tuition costs, student demographics, graduation rates, and retention rates over the years.

Starting with tuition, there has been a consistent increase in both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition. For instance, in 2014, in-state tuition was approximately $11,918, which rose to $15,150 by 2024, reflecting a significant increase of about 27% over that period. This rise in costs may influence prospective students' decisions, especially given the steep out-of-state tuition, which jumped from $19,458 to $24,464 in the same timeframe. Such increases could deter enrollment, particularly from out-of-state applicants, as they face an even heavier financial burden.

The university's student population has also seen a decline in undergraduate enrollment, dropping from 10,089 in 2013 to 6,604 in 2023. This reduction correlates with rising tuition costs and may indicate a trend where students are either seeking more affordable options or experiencing difficulty affording higher education altogether, a challenge faced by many institutions nationwide.

On a positive note, the graduation rates have shown a commendable upward trajectory. The rate of on-time graduation for undergraduates has increased from 17.1% in 2013 to approximately 36.8% in 2023. This improvement suggests that the university may be enhancing its support services and academic resources, enabling students to complete their degrees in a timely manner.

Retention rates have fluctuated but notably spiked to 90.1% in 2021 before settling at around 71.5% in 2023. Such volatility may reflect the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional learning environments and affected student engagement.

In summary, while the increasing tuition rates pose challenges for enrollment, the university's efforts to improve graduation rates indicate a commitment to student success. Addressing the issues associated with retention and affordability will be critical for sustaining and enhancing William Paterson University's reputation and accessibility.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
New York, about 25 mi
Nearest international airport
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 20 mi
Wayne, New Jersey
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Richard J. Helldobler (President)
Phone
9737202000
City
Wayne, New Jersey
Address
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
88.3%
Women
91.4%

In 2020: men 72.3%, women 77.1%.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Rates at William Paterson University

The admission data for William Paterson University of New Jersey over the years reveals significant trends that reflect broader patterns in higher education. The male and female admission rates have shown fluctuations, with male admission rates starting at approximately 67.1% in 2009 and peaking at around 91.3% in 2019. Female admission rates have similarly varied, beginning at around 60.9% and reaching as high as 94.5% in 2019.
The increase in admission rates during this period suggests a shift towards a more inclusive and accessible educational environment, particularly for women, who have consistently maintained higher admission rates compared to their male counterparts. The data also indicates a decline in total enrollment numbers, particularly noted in 2023 with only 806 students admitted, compared to higher figures in previous years.
This downward trend in enrollment could be attributed to various external factors, including changes in demographic trends, economic conditions, or increased competition from other institutions. The substantial number of applicants denied admission each year highlights the competitive nature of university admissions, with thousands of students still vying for limited spots.
Overall, the admission data for William Paterson University reflects a dynamic educational landscape, where shifting social and economic factors play a crucial role in shaping the accessibility and diversity of higher education. As universities adapt to these changes, it remains essential to monitor these trends to ensure that institutions continue to meet the needs of prospective students.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no SAT/ACT data for students admitted in 2025.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at William Paterson University

The data from William Paterson University over the years illustrates a notable trend in the admission test scores, particularly for the SAT. From 2007 to 2023, the university maintained a high percentage of students submitting SAT scores, with figures consistently around 95% or higher in recent years. This indicates a strong reliance on standardized testing in the admissions process, reflecting broader trends in higher education where standardized tests are often seen as critical indicators of academic readiness.

The range of SAT reading and math scores has shown some fluctuation, with the 25th percentile scores rising from 430 in 2007 to 530 in 2023. This suggests that the university is potentially becoming more selective over time, as higher scores may correlate with an increased applicant pool and a shift towards admitting students with stronger academic backgrounds.

Additionally, the number of students submitting SAT scores peaked in 2022 with 1,613 submissions, but dramatically dropped to just 5 in 2023. This sharp decline may reflect a growing trend among universities to adopt test-optional policies, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional testing schedules and raised questions about the fairness and accessibility of standardized tests.

Overall, the data suggests that while William Paterson University has historically depended on SAT scores for admissions, recent trends may indicate a significant shift in its approach to evaluating prospective students. This evolution aligns with a national conversation about the role of standardized testing in college admissions, emphasizing the need for universities to adapt to changing educational landscapes and student needs.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

9,165 applicants in 2025, 90.1% admitted

8,256 admitted 909 not admitted Yield 12.6%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1,97136 international (1.8%)
Master's1,09811 international (1.0%)
Doctoral270 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
426
Psychology, General
209
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
142
Business Administration and Management, General
117
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
90
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
86
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
71
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
64
Accounting
64
Information Technology
63

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's357 (1% international)
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's261 (1% international)
  • Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's113 (0% international)
  • Teacher Education, Multiple Levels · Master's66 (0% international)
  • Special Education and Teaching, General · Master's59 (0% international)
  • Clinical Psychology · Master's32 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at William Paterson University

The graduation data from William Paterson University for 2023 reveals a significant focus on graduate-level education, particularly in the field of Educational Leadership and Administration, where a total of 88 students completed their master's degree. This indicates a strong interest in advancing professional qualifications among educators, likely driven by the current emphasis on educational reform and leadership development in response to challenges faced in the education sector today.

Interestingly, all reported programs show no graduates at the bachelor’s or associate levels. This could suggest a strategic shift or an evolving focus on graduate education, possibly in line with national trends that prioritize advanced degrees for educational professionals. The lack of international students across all program levels also raises questions about the university's attractiveness to global talent, especially in fields that could benefit from diverse perspectives, such as education and the sciences.

Moreover, the absence of doctoral graduates indicates a potential gap in pathways for advanced research and academic careers within the institution. This is critical given the increasing importance of research-oriented roles in academia and the need for educator-researchers to address complex educational challenges.

Overall, the data calls for a closer examination of program offerings and recruitment strategies, particularly for undergraduate and international student populations, to enhance the university's educational impact and global presence.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 897 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.$42,249
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.$63,349
Athletic Training/Trainer.-
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.-
Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling.$43,780
Public Health, General.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$100,216-$118,161
Nursing Practice.$100,216-$118,161
Businesshas 666 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$80,549
Organizational Leadership.$80,549
Accounting.$54,755
Finance, General.$53,654
Financial Planning and Services.$53,654
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Management Science.$49,389
Actuarial Science.$49,389
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.$46,144
Selling Skills and Sales Operations.$62,669
Educationhas 372 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$71,809
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.$71,809
Special Education and Teaching, General.$67,193
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.$60,584
Elementary Education and Teaching.$57,730-$64,261
Secondary Education and Teaching.$57,730-$64,261
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.$57,730-$64,261
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$57,730-$64,261
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.$63,391
Reading Teacher Education.$63,391
Psychology has 251 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$40,321
Clinical Psychology.$52,191
Homeland security has 142 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$40,304
Biologyhas 115 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$41,442
Biochemistry.-
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology.-
Biotechnology.-
Communication has 98 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.$37,756
Mass Communication/Media Studies.$37,756
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other.-
Organizational Communication, General.-
Public Relations/Image Management.-
Communication Management and Strategic Communications.-
Computer and information sciencehas 92 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.$55,703
Information Technology.$55,703
Visual and Performing artshas 86 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Art/Art Studies, General.$29,262
Music, General.$29,407
Parks, recreation, leisure has 75 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$38,200
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$38,200
Liberal arts has 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$45,236
Social sciencehas 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Anthropology, General.-
Economics, General.$57,866
Political Science and Government, General.$35,038
Sociology, General.$40,202
Applied/Public Sociology.$40,202
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 42 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
English has 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.$37,346
Creative Writing.-
History has 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.$46,676
Physical scienceshas 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Materials Chemistry.-
Public administrationhas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Community Organization and Advocacy.-
Social Work.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.$47,577
Computational and Applied Mathematics.-
Legal professionshas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Legal Studies.$37,512
Natural resources has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Studies.-
Cultural has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Women's Studies.$39,623
Disability Studies.$39,623
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Philosophy.-
Foreign languages has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Spanish Language and Literature.-

Students

9,942 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 73.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,647)

Hispanic
2,257 · 34.0%
White
1,976 · 29.7%
Black
1,435 · 21.6%
Asian
455 · 6.8%
Unknown
188 · 2.8%
International
172 · 2.6%
Two or more races
148 · 2.2%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.3%
18–19
21.6%
20–21
22.4%
22–24
21.8%
25 and over
33.8%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.2%
22–24
14.1%
25–29
25.8%
30–34
18.0%
35 and over
41.9%

Data insights

Demographic Insights at William Paterson University, 2023

The student demographic data from William Paterson University in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding gender representation and diversity among different student categories. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 806, with a relatively balanced gender ratio of 45.7% male and 54.3% female students. This trend of higher female enrollment is consistent across other undergraduate categories, with upperclassmen and transfer students also showing a majority of female students at 60.1% and 68.2% respectively.

Graduate students present an even starker gender disparity, where females comprise 77% of the total 2,466 graduate students, with only 23% being male. Such trends highlight an ongoing phenomenon in higher education, where female students are increasingly outnumbering their male counterparts, particularly at the graduate level. This could be reflective of broader societal trends, where women are pursuing higher education at higher rates than men.

Diversity among the student body is also noteworthy, particularly among underrepresented groups. Although specific numbers for upperclassmen and transfer students are not available, it is evident that the university is likely serving a diverse population, as indicated by the presence of various ethnic categories within the freshmen group. The presence of international students and minorities is important for fostering a rich educational environment that promotes inclusivity and cultural exchange.

Overall, these statistics suggest that William Paterson University is on a progressive path toward gender equity and diversity, aligning with national trends in higher education.

Age Demographics of Students at William Paterson University

The age demographics of students at William Paterson University provide a fascinating snapshot of the student body. It is notable that the majority of the undergraduates fall within the 18-21 age range, with a significant number of students aged 18-19 and 20-21, making up approximately 41% of the total student population. This reflects a typical trend in American universities, where younger students dominate the undergraduate landscape.

The data also reveals that there is a gradual decline in student numbers as age increases, which is common in higher education settings. For instance, students aged 22-24 comprise about 23% of the total enrollment, while those aged 25-29 account for roughly 20%. This trend may imply that many students are either entering the workforce after their undergraduate education or are returning to complete their studies later in life.

Interestingly, the number of graduate students shows a more balanced gender representation, particularly in the 25-29 age group, where female graduate students slightly outnumber their male counterparts. This shift highlights the increasing participation of women in graduate education, which aligns with national trends emphasizing gender equity in higher education.

The presence of older students, particularly those aged 30-39, is also noteworthy, suggesting that lifelong learning is becoming more prevalent. As society evolves, the landscape of higher education continues to adapt, accommodating a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, reflecting the ongoing commitment to education across a lifetime.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates2.6%

172 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.5%2017: 0.9%2018: 0.5%2019: 0.5%2020: 0.6%2021: 0.7%2022: 1.3%2023: 1.6%2024: 2.2%2025: 2.6%
2016Peer median 1.7%2025
Graduate students1.0%

34 in 2025 · 1.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.6%2017: 3.5%2018: 3.5%2019: 2.5%2020: 1.9%2021: 1.4%2022: 1.2%2023: 1.6%2024: 1.2%2025: 1.0%
2016Peer median 3.1%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at William Paterson University

The data from William Paterson University of New Jersey reveals a notable trend in the enrollment of international students over the years. In the early 2000s, the university experienced a relatively steady number of international undergraduates, with percentages fluctuating between 1.44% and 1.64%. However, a significant decline occurred around 2007, where the number of international undergraduates fell to just 64, resulting in a low participation rate of 0.72%.

As the years progressed, there were slight ups and downs, but the overall trend for undergraduates has not shown significant growth. The highest percentage in recent years was recorded in 2022 at 1.32%, and in 2023, it slightly increased to 1.56%. This stagnation could be attributed to various factors, including changes in U.S. immigration policies, global events affecting travel, and competition from other institutions.

On the graduate level, the enrollment of international students has shown a more erratic pattern. From a low of 0.52% in 2007 to a peak of 3.51% in 2017, the figures indicate fluctuations that may align with broader trends in international education. The percentage of international graduate students has generally remained below 2% in recent years, with a slight recovery in 2023 to 1.62%.

Overall, these statistics reflect broader challenges faced by universities in attracting international students, particularly in a changing global environment. As universities seek to enhance their global presence, understanding these trends becomes crucial for developing effective recruitment strategies.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$41,584

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$25,344
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$15,704
Room and board
$16,240
Graduate tuition
$24,211
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 26% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 49%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$216M

Government grants and contracts
$124M57.6%
Tuition and fees
$72.1M33.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$12.9M6.0%
Investment return
$3.4M1.6%
Gifts and private grants
$1.4M0.7%
Other
$1.6M0.7%

Expenses$208M

Instruction
$94.6M45.4%
Institutional support
$40.8M19.6%
Student services
$24.4M11.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$24.2M11.6%
Academic support
$19.9M9.5%
Scholarships
$16.2M7.8%
Public service
$2.3M1.1%
Research
$1.2M0.6%
Other
-$15.0M-7.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$120,869peers $80,690
Professor
$138,765peers $98,841
Associate professor
$109,086peers $84,060
Assistant professor
$87,394peers $74,446
Instructor
$77,021peers $58,934

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · New Jersey Athletic Conference

New Jersey Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball

2025
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football91-
Soccer2824
Basketball1618
Baseball32-
Softball-19
Volleyball-16
Swimming15-
Field Hockey-13
Golf12-
Swimming and Diving (combined)-12
Tennis-10
2024
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football78-
Soccer2423
Basketball1619
Baseball34-
Swimming1211
Softball-17
Tennis-17
Volleyball-16
Golf9-
2023
NCAA Division III with footballMENWOMEN
Football73-
Soccer2728
Basketball1715
Baseball31-
Softball-22
Field Hockey-14
Swimming-13
Volleyball-13
Swimming and Diving (combined)12-
Tennis-9
Golf8-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions surrounding William Paterson University of New Jersey:

  1. Montclair State University - Ranked 163 in the 2024 US News rankings, Montclair State University is a comprehensive university that offers a diverse range of programs and a vibrant campus life.

  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology - With a rank of 87, NJIT is known for its focus on engineering, technology, and architecture, providing students with cutting-edge education and research opportunities.

  3. Seton Hall University - Ranked 154, Seton Hall is a Catholic university that emphasizes liberal arts education, preparing students for a variety of professional fields.

  4. Rutgers University-Newark - This campus of Rutgers University is ranked 81 and offers a strong urban education experience with a commitment to diversity and social justice.

  5. Columbia University in the City of New York - As one of the Ivy League schools, Columbia is ranked 11 and is renowned for its academic excellence and influential research.

  6. New York University - Ranked 34, NYU is a prestigious institution known for its global presence and diverse academic programs, particularly in the arts and sciences.

These universities offer a range of programs and opportunities for collaboration, making the area around William Paterson University a hub for higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug referrals
117
Liquor referrals
108
Dating violence
21
Domestic violence
10
Stalking
7
Rape
6

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at William Paterson University

The crime data from William Paterson University showcases a significant decline in criminal incidents over the past decade. The data indicates a sharp decrease in the average number of recorded offenses per 1,000 students, dropping from 16.32 in 2013 to just 4.56 in 2023. This trend is encouraging and suggests that the university has been successful in implementing measures to enhance campus safety.

Notably, the most common category of offense reported was related to gun arrests, with variations observed over the years. For instance, there were a few notable spikes in gun-related arrests, but the overall trend shows a decrease in such incidents. The decline in drug and alcohol-related arrests is also a positive sign, reflecting perhaps an increased awareness and preventive measures taken by the university and local authorities.

The alarming rates of violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, have been of great concern nationwide in recent years. While William Paterson University has seen a reduction in overall crime rates, it remains crucial for the institution to continue focusing on awareness and preventive programs to combat these issues effectively.

In summary, the data indicates a promising trend towards safer campus environments at William Paterson University. Continuous efforts from both administration and students are vital to maintaining and further improving these statistics. For more information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.