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Accreditation & Accolades
At William Paterson University, we focus on experiential learning and providing students with preparation for career advancement.
Accreditation
- William Paterson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- William Paterson University’s Cotsakos College of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- The College of Education at William Paterson University is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
- The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, post-master’s degree certification in adult gerontology and family nurse practitioner, and DNP programs at William Paterson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (ccneaccreditation.org). Expires June 30, 2030
Accolades
- Ranked #23 among the “Top Public Universities, Regional Universities North” by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
Ranked #63 (tie) of “New Jersey’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Ranked #38 (tie) of “New Jersey’s Best Online Master’s Programs for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Ranked a “Best Value School” by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- Ranked #22 among the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- Ranked #26 among the “Best Colleges for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- Ranked #5 in Regional Universities North for “Campus Ethnic Diversity” by U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- Over 40% of William Paterson students are the first in their families to attend college
- Designated as a Military-Friendly® School for the 15th consecutive year by VIQTORY, a company that honors institutions that implement best practices and policies for veterans (MilitaryFriendly.com)
- The third most diverse institution in New Jersey, William Paterson is nationally recognized as both a Minority-Serving Institution with 59% students of color, and a Hispanic-Serving Institution with 30% of students claiming Hispanic heritage
- The University’s full-time faculty are highly distinguished and diverse scholars and teachers, including Fulbright scholars and recipients of numerous other awards, grants, and fellowships. The faculty are actively engaged in a wide range of scholarly contributions, including books, book chapters, conference proceedings, and articles in journals; performances, productions, and exhibitions; and lectures, presentations, and workshops at academic conferences and other settings.
- Nationally recognized among the top LGBTQ-friendly campuses in 2023 by the Campus Pride Index, a national listing of LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating
- William Paterson University is designated as one of the nation’s “Research Colleges and Universities” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education.
- William Paterson University awarded more MBA degrees than any other New Jersey institution in 2024, according to data newly compiled by state business journal NJBIZ.
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