William Paterson vs Thomas Edison State University (TESU)

William Paterson University of New Jersey and Thomas Edison State University, both located in the vibrant state of New Jersey, offer distinct educational experiences for students seeking higher education. William Paterson, a traditional brick-and-mortar university, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a more diverse student body, while Thomas Edison, a pioneer in online learning, offers greater flexibility and a higher acceptance rate. With different popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics, these universities cater to diverse student needs and aspirations. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences, ensuring a fulfilling and successful higher education journey.

	Thomas Edison State University	William Paterson University of New Jersey
Overview
Location	Trenton, New Jersey	Wayne, New Jersey
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate		67.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	83.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants		9,171
Total number of admissions given out		7,636
Admitted students who chose to enroll		995
Yield rate		13.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)		N/A
High school GPA	N/A	Required
Recommendation letters	N/A	Not required
High school transcript	N/A	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $14,552 Out of state: $16,712	In state: $29,636 Out of state: $38,374
Average net price		$15,762
Tuition	In state: $7,182 Out of state: $9,342	In state: $13,778 Out of state: $22,516
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $8,062 Meal plan: $4,672
Available payment plans	Other alternative tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)		73.0% Average amount $10,710
Students receiving federal student loan		49.0% Average amount $5,171
Students taking out private loans		6.0% Average amount $12,281

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,754 Men 60.5% Women 39.5%	7,219 Men 40.9% Women 59.1%
Graduate students	967 Men 40.1% Women 59.9%	2,150 Men 24.6% Women 75.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	5.7%
International students	0.8%	1.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	2,605
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	New Jersey New York Maryland Pennsylvania Connecticut

Academics
Popular study areas	Multidisciplinary Studies Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Social Sciences	Business Education Health Professions Psychology Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	N/A	56.0%
Dropout rate	N/A	33.1%
Transferred out	N/A	7.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,759 Year 2: $103,449 Year 3: $108,462 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,418 Year 2: $72,782 Year 3: $85,834 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,105 Year 2: $82,204 Year 3: $84,262 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $78,671 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,609 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $68,060 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,547 Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $61,484 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $50,509 Year 2: $49,631 Year 3: $60,453 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,206 Year 2: $53,927 Year 3: $58,672 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,272 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $55,974 Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $54,869 Year 3: $55,777	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $75,485 Year 2: $76,946 Year 3: $82,170 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,661 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $73,341 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,945 Year 2: $65,238 Year 3: $72,250 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,792 Year 2: $68,079 Year 3: $71,545 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,054 Year 2: $51,482 Year 3: $66,449 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,414 Year 2: $52,607 Year 3: $64,085 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,998 Year 2: $56,738 Year 3: $61,464 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,852 Year 2: $49,491 Year 3: $54,948 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,724 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $54,359 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,941 Year 3: $53,191

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in the academic focus of William Paterson University and Thomas Edison State University?

William Paterson University (WPU) offers a more traditional, campus-based experience with a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including arts, sciences, and professional fields. Thomas Edison State University (TESU), on the other hand, specializes in providing flexible, online, and prior-learning assessment-based degree programs, catering primarily to adult learners and those seeking to complete degrees at their own pace. TESU emphasizes credit for prior learning and offers a more self-directed learning environment.
How do the admission requirements differ between William Paterson University and Thomas Edison State University?

WPU generally requires standard admission criteria, including high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and letters of recommendation. TESU has more open admission policies, often requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs. TESU focuses on assessing prior learning and experience, making it accessible to a wider range of students, including those with significant work experience or military service.
What is the typical campus environment like at William Paterson University compared to Thomas Edison State University?

WPU provides a traditional campus experience with on-site classes, student activities, residence halls, and a vibrant campus life. TESU, being primarily an online institution, does not have a physical campus in the traditional sense. Students primarily interact with faculty and other students through online platforms, making it ideal for those who prefer a remote learning environment.
How do the tuition and fees compare between William Paterson University and Thomas Edison State University?

Tuition and fees at WPU are generally comparable to other public universities in New Jersey, with costs varying depending on residency and program. TESU often has a more affordable tuition structure, particularly for in-state residents, and offers various payment options to accommodate adult learners. The cost can be further reduced by utilizing prior learning assessment and credit transfer options.
What types of degree programs are available at William Paterson University and Thomas Edison State University?

WPU offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and nursing. TESU focuses on providing flexible degree programs, particularly for adult learners, with a strong emphasis on online delivery. TESU offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, with a focus on programs that can be completed through a combination of online courses, prior learning assessment, and credit transfer.
What are the options for financial aid and scholarships at William Paterson University and Thomas Edison State University?

Both WPU and TESU offer financial aid options, including federal and state grants, loans, and scholarships. WPU has a more traditional financial aid process, with scholarships based on academic merit and other criteria. TESU also offers financial aid, and students can explore options like military benefits, employer tuition assistance, and scholarships specifically designed for adult learners. Students at TESU should also explore options for utilizing prior learning assessment to reduce the overall cost of their degree.
How does the student support system differ between William Paterson University and Thomas Edison State University?

WPU provides a comprehensive student support system, including academic advising, career services, counseling, and on-campus resources. TESU offers online student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, tailored to the needs of online learners. TESU's support system is designed to help students navigate the online learning environment and succeed in their programs.
Which university is better for students seeking a traditional campus experience?

William Paterson University is the better choice for students seeking a traditional campus experience. WPU offers a vibrant campus life, on-site classes, residence halls, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Which university is better for adult learners or those seeking a flexible online program?

Thomas Edison State University is the better choice for adult learners or those seeking a flexible online program. TESU specializes in providing online degree programs and offers flexible learning options, including credit for prior learning, making it ideal for students with work or family commitments.
How do the graduation rates and time to degree compare between William Paterson University and Thomas Edison State University?

Graduation rates at WPU are typical of a four-year public university, with students generally completing their degrees within four to six years. TESU's graduation rates and time to degree can vary significantly depending on the student's prior learning, transfer credits, and pace of study. Many TESU students complete their degrees more quickly than traditional students due to the flexibility of the programs and the ability to leverage prior learning.

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