College Costs in Paterson, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Paterson, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,620
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$59,890
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,536
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Paterson Overview
Population
159,732
Student Population
13,939 (8.7%)
Cost of Living Index
129 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
60/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Paterson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$143,124
Total After Financial Aid
$143,124
Annual Cost
$35,781
Annual After Aid
$35,781
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $143,124 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,625 |
| Total Interest | $51,893 |
| Total Loan Cost | $195,017 |
Universities in Paterson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| William Paterson University | Public | $13,620 |
| Passaic County Community College | Community | $5,040 |
Paterson has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Paterson vs. National Average
| Category | Paterson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,620 | $10,940 | +$2,680 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,536 | $1,050 | +$486 |
| Cost of Living Index | 129 | 100 | +29 |
Paterson's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Paterson
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
13,939 students
Paterson has a total population of 159,732, with approximately 13,939 college students (8.7% of the population). Paterson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Paterson
$62,801
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Paterson earn a median starting salary of $62,801, which is $27,801 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $143,124 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,398 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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