INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University has once again been recognized by Forbes as one of New Jersey's Best-In-State Employers, earning the distinction for the third consecutive year.
The annual ranking, compiled by Forbes and market research firm Statista, recognizes employers that excel in workplace culture, professional development, compensation and benefits, opportunities for advancement, diversity and overall employee satisfaction. William Paterson was among 90 New Jersey organizations recognized on the 2026 list.
“Receiving this Forbes recognition for the third consecutive year is especially meaningful because it is based on independent surveys of employees, including our dedicated faculty and staff. All our employees share an unrelenting dedication to student success, and William Paterson is committed to empowering them in that mission by building and sustaining a strong institutional culture, where they can thrive personally and professionally,” says University President Richard J. Helldobler.
The 2026 rankings were based on an independent survey of more than 245,000 U.S. employees working for organizations with at least 500 employees. William Paterson employs nearly 1,000 full-time faculty and staff.
More than 2 million employer evaluations were considered in the rankings, including both employees' assessments of their own workplace and public recommendations from others in the same industry.
This recognition, along with the University’s distinction as a “2025 Great College to Work For” – awarded to just 76 higher education institutions across the United States – reflects William Paterson's ongoing investment in employee growth and well-being. More than half of the University's positions are filled through internal promotions, demonstrating a strong commitment to career advancement. Employees also benefit from flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid work environment and four-day summer workweek; comprehensive retirement and financial planning; tuition benefits for employees and their dependents; tax-advantaged savings opportunities; and an annual professional development series that has received national recognition for its innovative approach.
Beyond benefits, the University fosters a strong sense of community through campus traditions and employee engagement initiatives, including Communiversity Day, Bring Your Child to Work Day, Wellness Day and other programs that encourage connection, professional growth and work-life balance.
"We've worked intentionally to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged and empowered to grow throughout their careers. Our Forbes survey results, as well as other engagement surveys, have consistently demonstrated employees’ sense of belonging in the organization. Seeing that reflected in employee feedback year after year is incredibly rewarding," says Allison Boucher-Jarvis, vice president for human resources at William Paterson University.
The award list was announced on August 13th, 2026, and can be viewed on Forbes website.
As a powerhouse for new talent, William Paterson University offers unmatched support and next-level learning experiences. Together, we're reinventing what an excellent education looks like - here's how.
Our classrooms are never confined to four walls. Students work closely with faculty, get firsthand research experience, and discover fields they never knew existed. And because no two learners are alike, we offer flexible degree options, alternate credentials, and liberal transfer credits.
Your Success Is Our Priority
The transition to college can come with many questions, which is why all first-year Pioneers are paired with a Student Success Team.
This tailored team of experts is composed of a professional advisor, financial aid counselor, career coach, and starting sophomore year, a faculty mentor in the student’s major.
Discover What You Will. Power.
The first semester of college can be overwhelming, and Will. Power. 101, our first-year program, is designed to empower students throughout this life transition. In this semester-long course, students will explore what it means to be a powerhouse in academics, campus involvement and personal development, all while becoming more ingrained in the William Paterson community.
Mentorship That Goes Beyond The Classroom
We have exceptional faculty at William Paterson, and in addition to being experts in their fields, our professors strongly emphasize and prioritize mentorship. Here, students refine and grow in their skills while working alongside and building meaningful relationships with faculty.
We equip our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive, as both thoughtful members of society and career-ready graduates. See how you can excel at William Paterson.
