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William Paterson University is an institution on the move. Bold initiatives over the past five years—and big changes in how we teach and advise students—are transforming how students build careers and impact our state. One of New Jersey’s top-ranked regional public universities, William Paterson is an engine for social mobility, guiding undergraduates, graduates, and a growing adult learner population to achievements in their careers, communities, and lives. As one of the largest producers of college graduates in New Jersey, William Paterson is creating the leaders of tomorrow who reflect the diversity of the state today. We’re a powerhouse for our students, our community, our state, and beyond, with nearly 89,000 alumni around the world—leaders in the arts, business, healthcare, sports, the media, public service, science, and education. And we’re continuing to build a stronger William Paterson.
William Paterson University was named a Top Regional University and Best Value School in the 2025 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges, rising from 93 to 60 in six years. We’re proud of the recognition, which is a powerful signal to prospective students and families of the quality and value of a William Paterson education. The University was also recognized for its academic programs in nursing, business, and psychology.
◆ No. 23, Top Public Regional Universities-North
◆ No. 60, Best Regional Universities-North
◆ Best Value School, Regional Universities-North
◆ Best College for Veterans, Regional Universities-North
◆ Nationally Ranked, Undergraduate Nursing Program
◆ Nationally Ranked, Undergraduate Business Program
◆ Nationally Ranked, Undergraduate Psychology Program
"As we look to the future and leverage our success of the past five years, we will work to build on the terrific momentum we have created and launch new programs and initiatives to continuously strengthen the University and improve the William Paterson experience for all our students.”
The University is among the national leaders in helping to prepare economically disadvantaged students for good paying jobs.
A leader in educating New Jersey’s healthcare workforce for nearly 60 years, William Paterson launched a School of Nursing in September 2023, reflecting the growth and impact of its nursing program, which offers degrees on the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Student support is at the core of William Paterson’s approach to helping students successfully navigate college. All new students are now paired with a Student Success Team, a personalized team of experts and mentors who stay with them through graduation.
William Paterson has been at the forefront in implementing digital technology to meet the growing demand for online learning, particularly by adult learners and those seeking advanced degrees via flexible delivery models. WP Online, its fully online degree program, now in its fourth year, has grown exponentially and surpassed projections.
William Paterson continues to move forward with innovative academic offerings designed to support adult learners.
Students with significant financial need can take advantage of the Pledge 4 Success program, augmented by the state’s Garden State Guarantee. The combined programs offer a four-year funding path that enables qualifying students to attend William Paterson University tuition-free or at a greatly reduced cost.
William Paterson is proud of its status as a majority-minority institution, serving students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The campus offers an environment where individuals of all cultures and identities are understood, included, valued, and celebrated. More than 40 percent of students are the first in their families to attend college.
A career coach is an integral part of each Student Success Team right from the start, helping students explore majors, gain internships, and build their professional skills.
