Liberal Arts and Sciences at William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,581/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #259 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $559K $559K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.2x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,600
Out-of-state: $97,856 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,056
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,634
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,581/yr, roughly in line with the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $20,750 against $32,581/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #259 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places William Paterson University of New Jersey in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,581-to-$55,634 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 6,526 students in Wayne, NJ. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at William Paterson University of New Jersey

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →