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Colleges / NJ / Wayne
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William Paterson University of New Jersey

Public Wayne, NJ · Suburban · Mid-Atlantic · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
46%
Graduation Rate
$57,780
Earnings (10yr)
$18,745
Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of 90%, William Paterson University of New Jersey is a great fit for students looking for a welcoming environment where they can explore a range of fields. The standout programs here include Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Communications. This diversity allows students to find their niche and develop skills that are in demand in the workforce.

After graduation, students can expect an average earning of $57,780 within ten years, which shows a solid return on their investment in education. While the graduation rate is 46%, many students find paths that lead to upward mobility in their careers. Affordability matters too; with nearly half of the student body receiving Pell Grants, we can see that this school is accessible to those who need financial support.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is around $18,745, which is manageable for many families. The median debt of $22,334 suggests that while some students may take on loans, they are not overwhelmingly high compared to potential earnings. Those who thrive here often have a clear sense of purpose and are ready to engage with their studies and campus community.

Rankings

How William Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation46%Earnings 10yr$58KNet Price$19KRetention74%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate47%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$16K$0-30K$18K$30-48K$19K$48-75K$25K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%879.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3225.7%MOBILITY283.75%

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,704
In-State Tuition
$25,344
Out-of-State
$18,745
Avg Net Price
$22,334
Median Debt
47%
Pell Grant Rate
43%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$16,171
Family Income $0–$30K
$18,287
Family Income $30K–$48K
$18,505
Family Income $48K–$75K
$24,917
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$44,928
6 Years After Entry
$52,612
8 Years
$57,780
10 Years
0.39x
Debt-to-Earnings
66%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$44,928 6yr $52,612 8yr $57,780 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

283.75%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3225.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
879.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$89,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.56
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.09
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.97
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 90%
Retention Rate 74%
Full-Time Faculty 98%
Faculty Salary (mo) $13,396
Diversity Index 0.74
First-Gen Students 44%

Top Programs

Health Professions 27%
Business & Marketing 18%
Psychology 8%
Criminal Justice 7%
Communications 5%
Social Sciences 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Biology & Biomedical 4%