Mathematics at William Paterson University of New Jersey

The small sample size here is a real limitation, but the available numbers suggest William Paterson's math program sits toward the bottom of New Jersey's offerings. With first-year earnings of $42,187—about $8,600 below the state median and nearly $7,000 below the national benchmark—graduates are starting behind their peers at other institutions. The program ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of New Jersey math programs show better initial earnings outcomes.

The strong 42% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing graduates to nearly $60,000 by year four. Debt levels are reasonable at $24,010, producing a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. The school's 93% admission rate and substantial Pell grant population suggest it serves students who might not have access to more selective universities, which provides important context for these outcomes.

For families specifically comparing New Jersey options, the gap is stark: NJIT math graduates earn $23,500 more in their first year, while even the Rutgers campuses show $12,000-plus advantages. If your child has the academic profile for admission elsewhere, those alternatives deliver significantly better early-career positioning. But if William Paterson represents the most accessible path to a math degree—and if those year-four earnings prove consistent with larger samples—the investment may still pencil out for students who need this particular entry point into quantitative careers.