Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Wayne, New Jersey |
| Online | wpunj.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
William Paterson University, located in Wayne, New Jersey, approximately 20 miles west of New York City, spans 370 acres in suburban Passaic County amid the Preakness Hills. The public university, established in 1855 as a normal school for teacher training, has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs across five academic colleges. The university maintains a moderate selection process and is known for its education, nursing, and business programs, along with its communication department featuring a working radio station and television studio. Students can choose from multiple residence halls situated throughout the wooded campus, which includes both traditional dormitory-style and apartment-style housing options. The campus architecture combines historic buildings with modern facilities, centered around the distinctive Ben Shahn Center for the Visual Arts.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
William Paterson University of New Jersey is rated within the top 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for William Paterson University of New Jersey within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#557 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#171 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Colleges in New Jersey
#9 in Best Public Colleges in New Jersey
#456 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Value Colleges in New Jersey
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 990/1345 |
| GPA | 2.97 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jun 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
New Jersey Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $432 |
| Room and Board | $13,160 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,140 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,524 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $432 |
| Room and Board | $13,160 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,140 |
| Total One Year Cost | $41,524 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Education | 10% |
| Communication | 10% |
| Psychology | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering William Paterson University of New Jersey are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=187444 IPEDS survey data for William Paterson University of New Jersey.
Current students may use the William Paterson University of New Jersey GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024