William Paterson University saw a gain of 8.5 percent in enrollment of full-time, first-time freshmen for the Class of 2027, including students from all 21 counties in New Jersey, as well as students from 21 states and 20 countries.
In addition, the number of new transfer students is up 16.8 percent, while the number of new graduate students increased 16.2 percent.
Overall, William Paterson’s enrollment grew 3.3 percent. Additional growth has been fueled by continued increases in the number of students enrolled in WP Online, the University’s fully online degree platform, which launched in 2020. Currently, 3,450 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs through WP Online, an increase of 37.6 percent over fall 2022.
The University also saw gains in full-time, first-time freshman main campus retention, which rose 1.7 percent, from 71.5 percent in fall 2022 to 73.2 percent in fall 2023.
“These impressive gains reflect the success of a diverse set of integrated enrollment and retention strategies impacting every population of William Paterson student, from first-year to adult degree completers and graduate students,” says President Richard J. Helldobler. “Together, these efforts have resulted in increased student support, a better overall student experience, and more quality educational offerings available on campus and online. We are educating and empowering the next generation who will power New Jersey. Great things are happening at William Paterson, and students, families, and school counselors are taking note.”
This week, William Paterson was named one of New Jersey’s top regional public universities according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 edition of Best Colleges, as well as a Best Value School and a Top Performer on Social Mobility, which measures how well schools graduate students with exceptional financial need. Committed to accessibility and affordability, the University offers a four-year funding path for qualifying students to attend William Paterson tuition-free or at greatly reduced cost through its Pledge 4 Success program along with New Jersey’s Garden State Guarantee.
In addition, the University is committed to providing students with the support they need through its Will.Power.101 program of weekly student success workshops for first-year students, as well as by pairing each student with a Student Success Team that includes a professional advisor, a financial aid counselor, and a career coach.
“In today’s competitive higher education landscape, it’s not just about what we do at William Paterson University, but how we do it,” says George F. Kacenga, vice president for enrollment management. “WP’s Success Team model is a response to students who are seeking more than just a degree. Being matched with academic, financial aid, and career counselors before day one of class empowers students to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
William Paterson offers more than 150 academic programs, including a wide variety of accelerated degree programs, fully online degree programs, and certificate programs, offered in flexible formats.
“The numbers speak for themselves: our university’s commitment to a dynamic and supportive learning environment that prepares students for success in the real world is resonating with students,” says Stephen Quinn, associate vice president for university admissions.
Source: William Paterson University