William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

6,526

Total Students

$15K

Tuition (In-State)

$24K

Tuition (Out-State)

$18K

Avg Net Price

93%

Acceptance Rate

48%

Graduation Rate

6-year

73%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About William Paterson University of New Jersey

From its historic roots, William Paterson University has evolved into a vibrant liberal arts institution.

William Paterson University of New Jersey offers a rich and evolving educational experience, rooted in a history of dedicated service to the state. What began in 1855 as the Paterson City Normal School, singularly focused on training New Jersey's teachers, has blossomed into a comprehensive liberal arts university. This transformation reflects a commitment to broader academic pursuits, inviting students to explore a diverse range of fields beyond the classroom.

The university's picturesque campus traces its origins to the historic Ailsa Farms, purchased by the State of New Jersey in 1948 from the family of former Vice President Garret Hobart. At its heart stands Hobart Manor, an impressive 1877 structure once the McCullough family home and later the Hobart's cherished retreat. Today, this national and state landmark serves as the President's Office, a symbol of the university's enduring legacy and its forward-looking vision.

Over the decades, William Paterson University has embraced significant growth, expanding its curriculum in 1966 to offer degrees beyond teaching and officially achieving university status in 1997. Named in honor of William Paterson, a distinguished figure in early American history—New Jersey's first senator, second governor, and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice—the university embodies a spirit of public service and intellectual rigor. Prospective students will find an institution proud of its heritage, dedicated to fostering a broad-based liberal arts education, and committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1855 as the Paterson City Normal School, with over a century of focus on teacher training.
✦Campus relocated in 1951 to historic Ailsa Farms, formerly owned by U.S. Vice President Garret Hobart's family.
✦Home to Hobart Manor, a castle-style building from 1877, designated a national and state landmark in 1976.
✦Renamed in honor of William Paterson, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and former New Jersey Governor.
✦Expanded its curriculum in 1966 beyond teaching degrees to become a broad-based liberal arts institution.
✦Achieved university status in June 1997, marking a significant milestone in its academic evolution.
✦Dr. Richard J. Helldobler became the eighth president in 2018.

Timeline

1855

Founded as the Paterson City Normal School, dedicated to teacher training.

1948

State of New Jersey purchases Ailsa Farms from the Hobart family for the new campus.

1951

University moves to the present campus; renamed Paterson State Teachers College.

1966

Curriculum expanded to include degree offerings beyond teaching careers.

1971

Renamed William Paterson College of New Jersey, honoring the state's notable figure.

1976

Hobart Manor is designated a national and state landmark.

1997

Granted university status by the Commission on Higher Education, becoming William Paterson University.

2018

Dr. Richard J. Helldobler becomes the eighth president of the university.

2021

Hundreds of workers and students protest planned layoffs following a budget shortfall.

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