Fall Freshmen Awards
Generous merit-based scholarship funds are awarded to incoming freshmen (students applying to William Paterson University directly from high school) based on various criteria. All admitted freshmen are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and no separate application is required. Award recipients are notified in writing within two weeks of their admission to the University. Eligible students who complete the admission application process after the published deadline will only be considered for a scholarship award if funds are available.
Trustee Scholarships
Wiliam Paterson University is test-optional for Fall Trustee Scholarships. This scholarship ranges from USD5,000 to USD9,000 per year and are designed to recognize high-achieving high school students for their academic accomplishments. Award criteria and amounts are:
- SAT Score: 1130-1600
- ACT Score 23-36
- 4.0+ GPA will receive USD9,000, 3.75-3.99 GPA will receive USD8,000 and 3.5-3.74 GPA will receive USD7,000
Trustee Scholarships are automatically awarded on a first-come first served basis to students who have been admitted to the University; no separate application is required. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters).
University Honors College Scholarships
All freshmen who are admitted to and enroll in the William Paterson University Honors College receive a USD5,000 per year merit scholarship. This award is in addition to any other institutional scholarship.
Freshman are considered for Honors College Admission based on three of the five areas below. Where appropriate, year prior average statistics of enrolling Honors College Students are noted. All applicants are required to submit high school transcripts and test scores, but may emphasize other areas.
- Grade Point Average - The average unweighted high school GPA is 3.60 (middle 50% range of 3.47 to 3.82)
- Test Scores – The average test scores are 1233 SAT score (middle 50% range of 1180 to 1290) or an ACT score of 27 (middle 50% range of 27-28)
- Curriculum – Most accepted students have taken multiple honors-, dual-enrollment college-, Advanced Placement- and International Baccalaureate-level courses in their high school careers
- Academic awards or honors received and extracurricular interests and activities
- Essay quality and content
Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship must complete and submit the online University Honors College Application, which includes a short essay. Interested candidates may contact the Director of the University Honors College for additional information at 973.720.3658 or honors@wpunj.edu.
University Honors College Scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). Recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 and membership in the University Honors College. This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.
Music and Art Talent Trustee Scholarships
All high school seniors admitted to degree programs in Music and BFA Art are considered for a limited number of Trustee Talent Scholarships. Students who demonstrate an exceptional level of potential creative talent in their music audition or portfolio review are automatically considered for this scholarship. Scholarship recipients are selected by the faculty in the Music and Art departments. No special application is required. The priority application deadline for this scholarship is February 1 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.
Trustee Talent Scholarships for freshman are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters of full-time study during the fall and spring semesters). This scholarship does not apply to Winter Session or Summer Session courses. Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester. Students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.
Please be notified all the scholarships are varied in deadline of application. Please visit this Scholarship Link for further information.