Tuition-Free College Expanded At William Paterson University

WAYNE, NJ — William Paterson University expanded access to tuition-free education. The university will cover costs for New Jersey students with a family-adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less.

The university's Pledge 4 Success program covers eligible students' costs for tuition and fees not already paid through federal and state financial aid or other scholarships. New Jersey students with a family-adjusted gross income between $65,001 and $80,000 will pay no more than $7,500 in annual tuition and fees for up to four years.

The program doesn't cover housing, books or other expenses.

The Garden State Guarantee — A New Jersey program designed to make college more affordable for lower-income students — contributed funding to make the reduced costs possible, according to the university.

“At William Paterson University, we are committed to helping our students with significant financial need achieve their dream of a college education,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “By combining our Pledge 4 Success program and New Jersey’s Garden State Guarantee Program, we can provide more students with the financial support they need to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in four years and reduced student loan debt.”

All New Jersey residents, including NJ Dream Act students, are eligible for the program. Students must be enrolled full time, taking at least 12 credits per semester and working toward their first bachelor’s degree. Continuing students and incoming transfer students are eligible. Student must have earned no more than 126 credits. Credits include those a student has earned from a different institution and/or while in high school through dual enrollment, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) test credits.

For more information, visit WPU's financial-aid webpage or call the university's Office of Financial Aid at 973-720-3945.