Undergraduate Admissions

 

Institutional Scholarships for Incoming Students

Freshmen Awards (effective Fall 2013)

A limited amount of merit-based scholarship funds are awarded to incoming freshmen (students applying to William Paterson University directly from high school) based on various criteria described below. All admitted freshmen are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and no separate application is required. Award recipients are notified in writing within two weeks of their admission to the University. Eligible students who complete the admission application process after the published deadline will only be considered for a scholarship award if funds are available.

For priority consideration, all supporting documents must be received by February 15 for Fall Semesters and November 1 for Spring Semesters. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Spring scholarships are subject to available funding; contact the Admissions Office after October 1 for availability.

All scholarship recipients are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1, and must accept all need-based financial aid. The University reserves the right to rescind your scholarship award if you fail to file the FAFSA. There are no exceptions. 

Trustee Scholarships

William Paterson University Trustee Scholarships range from $2,000 up to $8,000 per year and are designed to recognize high-achieving high school students for their academic accomplishments. To be considered, students must present SAT scores (critical reading and math) of 1050 or higher and cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. Trustee Scholarships are awarded on a first-come first served basis to students who have been admitted to the University. These awards are packaged with all other sources of merit and need-based financial aid. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is February 15 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

Trustee Scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

Talent Trustee Scholarships

All high school seniors admitted to degree programs in art and music are considered for a limited number of Trustee Talent Scholarships. Awards range from $1,000 to $9,000. Students who demonstrate an exceptional level of potential creative talent in their art portfolio or music audition are automatically considered for this scholarship. Scholarship recipients are selected by the faculty in the departments of Art and Music. No special application is required. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is February 15 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

Trustee Talent Scholarships for freshman are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

University Honors College Scholarships

All freshmen who are admitted to and enroll in the William Paterson University Honors College receive a $2,000 merit scholarship. This award is in addition to any other institutional scholarship. Admission to the University Honors College is highly competitive. To be considered, students must have a high school gpa of B+/3.3/88 or higher and SAT scores of at least 1800, with no score below 550 in any section.  Successful Honors College applicants have also taken honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes in high school.

Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship must complete and submit the online University Honors College Application, which includes a short essay. Interested candidates may contact the Director of the University Honors College for additional information at 973.720.3658 or honors@wpunj.edu.

University Honors College Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first served basis to students who have been admitted to the University beginning in October of the applicant’s senior year in high school. These awards are packaged with all other sources of merit and need-based financial aid. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is February 15 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

University Honors College Scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00, comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements, and membership in the University Honors College. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

The William Paterson University Academic Excellence Scholarship provides fifteen $1,000 awards based on academic achievement and extracurricular activities to full-time students. The award may be packaged with other sources of scholarships or need-based aid, although financial need is not an eligibility factor. Minimum requirements include a top 15% class rank and SAT scores (critical reading and math) of 1100 or higher. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is February 15 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

Academic Excellence Scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

Educational Enrichment Grants

The William Paterson University Educational Enrichment Grant provides thirty $1000 awards based on academic profiles, extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership. Preference is given to students attending New Jersey high schools in an ABBOTT school district. The award may be packaged with other sources of scholarships or need-based aid, although financial need is not an eligibility factor. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first served basis to those who have been admitted to the University. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is April 1 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

Educational Enrichment Grants are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.60 and comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements. This grant does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their grant award are notified in writing.

Transfer Awards (effective Fall 2013)

Students who, after graduating from high school, began their studies at a college or university other than William Paterson University are considered transfer students. Merit scholarships for transfer students are extremely competitive.

For priority consideration, all supporting documents must be received by the deadline noted in each scholarship description. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Spring scholarships are subject to available funding; contact the Admissions Office after October 1 for availability.

All scholarship recipients are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1, and must accept all need-based financial aid. The University reserves the right to rescind your scholarship award if you fail to file the FAFSA. There are no exceptions.

Presidential Scholarships

Students who transfer to William Paterson University and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 and 45 credits accepted to the University - or a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 and 30 credits accepted to the University - are eligible to receive a $1,000 – $4,000 per year scholarship. The Presidential Scholarship cannot be combined with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.

Transfer Presidential Scholarships are renewable for up to two years (four consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters) or completion of a bachelor’s degree (whichever occurs first). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

Note that NJ STARS II students are not eligible for a Transfer Presidential Scholarship or Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, but may receive a University Honors College Scholarship if admitted to and enrolled in the University Honors College.

Community College Students: Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships

Transfer students from two-year institutions who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, admitted to and enroll in William Paterson University receive a $4,000 per year scholarship.   The application deadline for this scholarship is May 1 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships are renewable for up to two years (four consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship cannot be combined with the Presidential Scholarship.  Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship recipients may also be eligible for a University Honors College Scholarship if admitted to and enrolled in the University Honors College. A copy of your Phi Theta Kappa membership card is required for proof of membership and to be considered for this award. This copy may be mailed, faxed (973.720.2910) or scanned/emailed to Melissa Lorah, Associate Director of Transfer Admission.

Note that NJ STARS II students are not eligible for a Transfer Presidential Scholarship or Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, but may receive a University Honors College Scholarship if admitted to and enrolled in the University Honors College.

Talent Trustee Scholarships

All transfer students admitted to degree programs in art and music are considered for a limited number of Trustee Talent Scholarships. Awards range from $1,000 to $9000. Students who demonstrate an exceptional level of potential creative talent in their art portfolio or music audition are automatically considered for this scholarship. Scholarship recipients are selected by the faculty in the departments of Art and Music. No special application is required. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is February 15 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

Trustee Talent Scholarships for transfer students are renewable for up to two years (four consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 and comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

University Honors College Scholarships

Transfer students from two and four-year institutions who are admitted to and enroll in the William Paterson University Honors College receive a $2,000 per year scholarship. Typically, students should have an outstanding secondary school record and a college cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher. The determination of admission to the University Honors College will also be based on the applicant’s ability to complete the requirements for University Honors College students within a reasonable time frame.

Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship must complete and submit the online University Honors College Application. Interested candidates may contact the Director of the University Honors College for additional information at 973.720.3658 or honors@wpunj.edu.

University Honors College Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first served basis. These awards are packaged with all other sources of merit and need-based financial aid. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is February 15 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.

University Honors College Scholarships are renewable for up to two years (four consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters) and recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00, comply with the University’s Institutional Scholarship Program Requirements, and membership in the University Honors College. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

New Jersey Residents Attending New Jersey Community Colleges: NJ STARS

Students who graduate in the top 15% of their high school class may be eligible to receive a NJ STARS I award for attendance at the New Jersey county college where they reside. A complete description of this program is available at http://www.njstars.net/. NJ STARS I students who earn an associate’s degree and have the requisite cumulative G.P.A. qualify for a tuition and fee scholarship at William Paterson University through the STARS II scholarship program (go to http://www.njstars.net/ for additional information).  The scholarship is for four consecutive semesters (fall and spring only) and covers up to 19 credits per semester. To renew the scholarship for the third and fourth semesters, an NJ STARS II student must earn the requisite cumulative G.P.A. required at http://www.njstars.net/.

NJ STARS II students who apply for admission and have all supporting documents received by the May 1 Transfer Scholarship deadline will receive a $1500 NJ STARS Supplement from the University.  Please contact Melissa Lorah, Associate Director of Transfer Admission, with questions regarding the NJ STARS II Supplement.

Note that NJ STARS II students are not eligible for a Transfer Presidential Scholarship or a Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, but may receive a University Honors College Scholarship if admitted to and enrolled in the University Honors College.

All Incoming Students

New Jersey World Trade Center Dependent Waiver Program

This scholarship is program designed to cover higher education tuition and fee expenses for children and spouses of those who died in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Recipient must be a resident of and attend a college in New Jersey. Contact the Office of Financial Aid by email or phone 973.720.2202.

Awarded by the Undergraduate Admissions Office