William Paterson University of New Jersey SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 90% acceptance rate, William Paterson is accessible, but the 44% six-year graduation rate makes preparation and fit matter after admission. If your SAT is near or above the 990–1345 middle range, submitting it can add useful evidence; if not, use test-optional strategically.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
William Paterson University of New Jersey facts and stats
William Paterson University of New Jersey enrolls 6,647 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. William Paterson has a 74% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 44%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Wayne, NJ
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Key William Paterson University of New Jersey application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
June 1
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
December 1
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional William Paterson, take your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and senior fall for retakes, with October as the last practical test date for scores to arrive by the December 1 Early Action deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
At William Paterson, in-state tuition is $15,204 and out-of-state tuition is $24,844. About 77% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $8,979. Submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

Out-of-state tuition at William Paterson University of New Jersey is $24,844, while in-state tuition is $15,204. Room and board adds $16,930, so total costs can vary meaningfully by where a student lives and whether they qualify for aid. About 77% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,065, and the average merit award is $8,979. Graduates leave with an average debt of $28,035.
Student life at William Paterson University of New Jersey
18% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 1% of men join fraternities, and 2% of women join sororities.
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