Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson's health sciences graduates earn exactly the state median—$34,657—which lands them in the 60th percentile among New Jersey's 15 programs offering this degree. That's respectable positioning in a competitive state market, though it trails the top-performing Rutgers campuses by about $4,000 annually. The modest debt load of $26,500 creates a manageable 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly nine months of their first-year salary.

The challenge is the starting salary itself. At under $35,000, your child will likely need to be strategic about living arrangements and budgeting in their first years out of college—especially in the expensive New York metro area where many William Paterson graduates work. However, the program serves a notably accessible population (44% receive Pell grants) and delivers outcomes that match state performance while keeping debt in check.

For families considering this program, the key question is career trajectory. Allied health fields vary widely—some roles like health information management or clinical research coordination offer strong advancement potential, while others plateau quickly. If your child has a specific career path mapped out with growth opportunities, William Paterson provides a solid foundation at a reasonable price. The value becomes questionable if they're entering the program without clear direction about which allied health role they're pursuing.