Undergraduate Scholarships

WP maintains a generous merit scholarship program for incoming freshman and transfer applicants. Each year close to 2,000 scholarships are awarded totaling over $7 million. In most cases, all accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships; no separate scholarship application is required. Additional scholarship opportunities for incoming and currently enrolled students are also available through the William Paterson University Foundation’s donor scholarship program. Outside scholarships, which students research and apply for on their own, are also accepted.

Scholarships for Incoming Students

Institutional scholarships
Scholarships awarded by the admissions department.
Academic department donor scholarships and awards
Scholarships and awards offered annually through select academic departments made possible by donors to the William Paterson University Foundation.
Donor scholarships 
Scholarships made possible by donors to the William Paterson University Foundation.
Enrolled students 
Click here for information on scholarships for enrolled students.

General Information

Each year William Paterson University awards close to 2,000 scholarships totaling over $7 million on the basis of need, scholastic performance, and related achievements. We recognize that many of our students, at some point, will require financial assistance. Therefore, we are proud to be able to provide the resources to meet most students’ needs, while offering an education in a learning community that is committed to providing academic excellence.

Additionally, the University has a robust Donor Scholarship Program that annually awards more than 600 scholarships totaling more than $1 million to undergraduate and graduate students from all five colleges. The scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the many alumni and friends who recognize the value of higher education and wish to make it accessible to students with academic promise and financial need. Scholarships are awarded through an online application in the spring. We encourage all students to apply online at wpunj.edu/scholarships.

All students applying for admission and scholarship at William Paterson University are encouraged to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when eligible. To allow for processing time, students are encouraged to file a FAFSA by April 1. The FAFSA may be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

It is advisable to submit application for admission, FAFSA and other supporting credentials as early as possible. The FAFSA form is also available in high school guidance offices, community organizations, and college and university financial aid offices.  Note: The undergraduate award process begins as early as February 1; therefore, it is advisable to submit application for admission, scholarship application, and other supporting credentials as early as possible.

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