William Paterson University saw a gain of 8.5% in enrollment of full-time, first-time freshmen for the Class of 2027, according to a Wednesday announcement from the Wayne-based university.
Additionally, the number of new transfer students increased 16.8%, while the number of new graduate students increased 16.2%.
Overall, William Paterson’s enrollment grew 3.3%. 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% over fall 2022.
The university also saw gains in full-time, first-time freshman main campus retention, which rose 1.7 percentage points, from 71.5% in fall 2022 to 73.2% 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,” President Richard Helldobler said. “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.”
“In today’s competitive higher education landscape, it’s not just about what we do at William Paterson University, but how we do it,” George Kacenga, vice president for enrollment management, said. “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,” Stephen Quinn, associate vice president for university admissions, said.
