William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

Compare William Paterson University of New Jersey in Wayne, NJ with Providence College in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Paterson University of New Jersey is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (9,942 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Paterson University of New Jersey is located in Wayne, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Paterson University of New Jersey 18:1; Providence College 11:1.

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Paterson University of New Jersey or Providence? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at William Paterson University of New Jersey than Providence ($13,509 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Paterson University of New Jersey are 9% lower than at Providence College ($16,240 vs. $17,840).
• Providence College is 304.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $47,846 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $15,704.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 150.7% higher at Providence than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (about $38,206 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $25,344.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey than at Providence College (86% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Providence College students is 111.9% larger than aid received by William Paterson University of New Jersey students ($31,873 vs. $15,040).

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Paterson University of New Jersey or Providence? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Providence and William Paterson University of New Jersey.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Providence College (1320) is 150 points higher than at William Paterson University of New Jersey (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Paterson University of New Jersey 990/1345; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsProvidence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Paterson University of New Jersey - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: William Paterson University of New Jersey Jun 1, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Providence students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at William Paterson University of New Jersey (2.97).
• William Paterson University of New Jersey has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. 19.2% at Providence.

William Paterson University of New Jersey vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Paterson University of New Jersey and Providence? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than William Paterson University of New Jersey's (46%).
• Graduates from Providence College earn a median of about $21,500 more per year than William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,000 vs. $46,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Providence graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Paterson University of New Jersey students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.