Exploring The Enrollment At William Paterson University

Located in Wayne, New Jersey, William Paterson University is one of the largest universities in the state, with nearly 10,000 students enrolled. The university's population has fluctuated in recent years, with undergraduate enrollment dropping by over 10% in 2025 compared to the previous year, but the number of students enrolled in web-based programs is growing.

Undergraduate vs graduate enrolment

As of Fall 2023, William Paterson University had a total of 9,426 enrolled students, including 6,546 undergraduate students and 2,880 graduate students. This represents a decline of more than 10% in undergraduate enrolment compared to the previous year. The university's total enrolment, including graduate students, was 9,070 in 2022.

The university has seen a significant shift towards web-based programs, with nearly 57% growth in WP Online enrolment. This trend is positive, but the university is facing budgetary challenges due to declines in full-time, main campus enrolment, which is the primary source of revenue. To address this issue, the university has hired a marketing agency to develop a branding campaign and is offering voluntary severance packages to eligible employees.

William Paterson University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its four colleges: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Cotsakos College of Business; Education; and Science and Health. The university is committed to providing an outstanding and affordable education, awarding over $7 million in scholarships each year. It is also recognised for its external research and distinguished faculty members.

The university's undergraduate enrolment of 6,546 students in Fall 2023 is higher than the graduate enrolment of 2,880 for the same period. This ratio of undergraduate to graduate students is common in higher education, as many students pursue graduate studies after completing their undergraduate degrees. William Paterson University's undergraduate enrolment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 10.1% decline compared to the previous year. However, the university remains committed to supporting its students and providing a high-quality education.

Total enrolment

William Paterson University, also known as WP, is a public university in Wayne, New Jersey. It is one of the largest universities in the state, with a total enrollment of nearly 10,000 students. The university's population includes undergraduate and graduate students, with a total enrollment of 9,426 students as of Fall 2023. This includes 6,546 undergraduate students and 2,880 graduate students.

The university's total enrollment has fluctuated over time, with 9,070 students enrolled in 2022 and 9,369 students enrolled in the previous year. William Paterson University experienced a decline in undergraduate enrollment of more than 10% between Fall 2022 and Fall 2023, which was attributed to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the university has seen a growing trend in its web-based programs, with nearly 57% growth.

The student population at William Paterson University is diverse, with a significant proportion of students being the first in their families to attend college. The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with a substantial number of Hispanic or Latino students. The university also has a notable population of students of color, contributing to its diverse and inclusive campus community.

Enrolment by race and ethnicity

William Paterson University is one of the largest universities in New Jersey, with nearly 10,000 students enrolled as of 2022. The university is also the third most diverse public university in the state.

In 2022, the enrolled student population was 37.9% White, 30.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Black or African American, 8.04% Asian, 2.49% Two or More Races, 0.11% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.0551% American Indian or Alaska Native. This includes both full-time and part-time students as well as graduate and undergraduates.

In terms of degree recipients, the most common race/ethnicity group at William Paterson University in 2022 was White (1,135 degrees awarded), followed by Hispanic or Latino (723 degrees).

The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 29-30% of students claiming Hispanic heritage. In addition, 40-45% of students are the first in their families to attend college.

The university offers a variety of resources and initiatives to support diversity and inclusion on campus, including the establishment of a Center for Diversity and Inclusion, a Black Cultural Center, and a Center for Latinidad.

Enrolment yield

Yield rates are important for several reasons. Firstly, they indicate how successful a university is at attracting students and can impact its reputation, ranking, and desirability. A high yield rate means the university has effectively enticed students to choose them over other options. Secondly, yield rates are essential for financial stability and resource management. Accurate predictions of incoming class sizes help universities avoid financial uncertainties. Thirdly, yield rates help universities evaluate their admissions processes and the effectiveness of their recruitment strategies.

In 2022, William Paterson University had an overall enrolment yield of 12.5%. This means that out of all the students who were accepted for enrolment, only about 12.5% chose to enrol at the university. This is a relatively low yield rate, suggesting that the university may need to improve its yield rate to meet its institutional goals and maintain financial stability.

However, it is important to note that yield rates can vary depending on various factors, such as academic programs, student demographics, and institutional selectivity. William Paterson University is a public institution with a focus on diversity and accessibility. It is the third most diverse public university in New Jersey, with approximately 40% of students being the first in their families to attend university. The university has a significant proportion of Hispanic and Latino students, reflecting its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Additionally, about 59% of the student population are students of colour, contributing to its status as a Minority-Serving Institution.

The university's acceptance rate for undergraduate admissions in 2022 was 91.5%, with 6,464 students accepted out of 7,062 applicants. This high acceptance rate may be a factor in the lower yield rate, as students who are accepted may have multiple offers and choose to enrol at other institutions.

To improve its yield rate, William Paterson University can employ various strategies. These may include targeted marketing campaigns, personalised outreach, campus visits, and events for accepted students. Additionally, the university can focus on enhancing the overall student experience by providing exceptional academic programs, robust extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive campus environment.

In summary, while William Paterson University has a relatively low yield rate, it can implement strategies to increase the number of accepted students who choose to enrol. By improving its yield rate, the university can enhance its reputation, financial stability, and overall desirability.

Enrolment trends

William Paterson University, also known as WP, is a public university in Wayne, New Jersey. It is one of the largest universities in the state, with nearly 10,000 students enrolled.

The university's total enrolment, including graduate students, was 9,070 in September 2022, a decrease from 9,369 the previous year. This decline has been attributed to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the university's online programs, WP Online, have seen a nearly 57% growth.

During the Fall 2023 semester, William Paterson University had a total undergraduate enrolment of 6,546 students. This number represents a 10.1% decrease from the previous fall semester. Despite this, the university remains one of the largest producers of college graduates in New Jersey. In the 2020-2021 academic year, the university graduated 2,155 students.

William Paterson University received 7,062 undergraduate applications in 2022, a 23% increase from the previous year. Of these applicants, 6,464 were accepted, resulting in a 91.5% acceptance rate. The university's retention rate for full-time undergraduates was 71%.

The university's student population is diverse, with approximately 40% of students being the first in their families to attend university. The university is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 29-30% of students claiming Hispanic heritage. Additionally, it is ranked as the third most diverse public university in New Jersey, with 59% students of colour.

William Paterson University offers a range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees through its four colleges: Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Cotsakos College of Business; Education; and Science and Health. The university also has an Honors College for academically gifted students.

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