Wayne, NJ · Private University
Is William Paterson University of New Jersey Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$57,780
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$15,150
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,464
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$97,856
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.36x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
47.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,334
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$17,764
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
William Paterson University of New Jersey graduates earn $12,780 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at William Paterson University of New Jersey ranked by graduate earnings
121 graduates
87 graduates
89 graduates
119 graduates
24 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at William Paterson University of New Jersey
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At William Paterson University of New Jersey, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $85,837) and the lowest (Communication Disorders Sciences and Services: $24,702) is $61,135/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $85,837 | 3.5x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $73,887 | 3.0x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $66,462 | 2.7x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $65,568 | 2.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $61,075 | 2.5x |
| Mathematics | $59,993 | 2.5x |
| Biology, General | $59,958 | 2.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $59,636 | 2.4x |
| Economics | $58,687 | 2.4x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $55,279 | 2.3x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $53,274 | 2.2x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $51,923 | 2.1x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $51,866 | 2.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $51,681 | 2.1x |
| Marketing | $51,342 | 2.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,605 | 2.1x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $50,014 | 2.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $48,647 | 2.0x |
| Sociology | $47,757 | 1.9x |
| Psychology, General | $44,968 | 1.8x |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) | $44,812 | 1.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $44,283 | 1.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $42,889 | 1.8x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $36,850 | 1.5x |
| Music | $32,121 | 1.3x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and ServicesLowest(1yr data) | $24,702 | 1.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
William Paterson University of New Jersey stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $57,780 10 years after starting, $12,780 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.3 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.