CollegeCalcAI
Moderately selectiveUpdated for the 2025-2026 cycle

William Paterson University acceptance rate and admissions profile

William Paterson University is a public university in New Jersey with a 72% acceptance rate, which makes it moderately selective. Here is what it looks for, where it sits among New Jersey schools, and how to estimate your own odds with CollegeCalcAI.

Acceptance rate
72%
Moderately selective
Admitted SAT (75th pct)
1180
of admitted students
Type
Public
New Jersey
Selectivity in state
#18
of 20 in NJ
Get your real chances at William Paterson University
CollegeCalcAI computes a personalized acceptance estimate from your GPA, scores, and activities. Free, no account.
Open the calculator

What William Paterson University looks for

What William Paterson University weighs most heavily in its admissions review, modeled from its selectivity and profile.

Rigor of secondary school record
Important
Academic GPA
Very important
Class rank
Considered
Standardized test scores
Considered
Application essay
Considered
Extracurricular activities
Considered
Talent / ability
Considered
Character / personal qualities
Considered
First-generation status
Considered
Geographical residence
Considered
State residency
Important
Volunteer work
Considered
Work experience
Considered

SAT score positioning at William Paterson University

How common SAT scores sit relative to the admitted middle. This is context, not a probability — your full profile determines the real estimate.

SATWhere it sits at William Paterson University
1600Above the admitted 75th percentile
1500Above the admitted 75th percentile
1400Above the admitted 75th percentile
1300Above the admitted 75th percentile
1200In the competitive admitted range
1100Below the middle, makes the rest of the profile matter more

How William Paterson University compares in New Jersey

William Paterson University ranks #18 most selective of 20 schools in New Jersey in our database.

Princeton University
4%acceptance · NJ
Stevens Institute of Technology
36%acceptance · NJ
The College of New Jersey
40%acceptance · NJ
Ramapo College
54%acceptance · NJ
Rowan University
55%acceptance · NJ
New Jersey Institute of Technology
62%acceptance · NJ
Drew University
65%acceptance · NJ
Rutgers University
68%acceptance · NJ
See all New Jersey schools →

Similar to William Paterson University

Schools with a similar selectivity profile, worth comparing as you build a balanced list.

Appalachian State University
72%acceptance · NC
College of Charleston
72%acceptance · SC
Jacksonville State University
72%acceptance · AL
Northern Illinois University
72%acceptance · IL
Sacramento State University
72%acceptance · CA
Tarleton State University
72%acceptance · TX

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it to get into William Paterson University?

William Paterson University has a 72% acceptance rate, which makes it moderately selective — it admits more applicants than it rejects. Admission depends on how your full profile compares to its admitted students, not on scores alone.

What SAT score do you need for William Paterson University?

There is no hard cutoff, but the admitted-student 75th-percentile SAT is around 1180. A score at or above the admitted range strengthens your application; CollegeCalcAI shows how your exact score shifts your odds.

What does William Paterson University value most in applicants?

Based on its admissions profile, William Paterson University weighs academic gpa, rigor of secondary school record, state residency most heavily. The full factor breakdown is on this page.

What are my chances of getting into William Paterson University?

Your chances depend on your GPA, course rigor, test scores, and activities together. Use the free CollegeCalcAI calculator to get a personalized acceptance estimate for William Paterson University in a few minutes, no account required.

Acceptance rate and admitted test ranges reflect publicly reported data (U.S. Department of Education / NCES IPEDS / Common Data Sets). Estimates from CollegeCalcAI are a planning tool computed by a fixed, transparent model, not a guarantee of any admission decision.