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William Paterson University’s undergraduate and graduate degree-granting online programs have been ranked among the nation’s best in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2026 rankings of Best Online Programs.
The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions. U.S. News evaluates these programs based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.
William Paterson’s rankings include:
“We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News for our success in providing life-changing degrees to a wide variety of students across New Jersey and beyond through our thriving WP Online platform,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “WP Online has dramatically expanded access to an excellent William Paterson education and leverages our long record of excellence as a leading public university.”
In addition, William Paterson is included on U.S. News’ list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans and Best Online MBA programs for Veterans. To be included, programs must rank in the top 50 percent of the program rankings, belong to an institution eligible for the G.I. Bill, and have enrolled at least 25 veterans/active-duty service members for undergraduate programs, or 10 such students for graduate programs.
William Paterson is a leader in online education in New Jersey. Overall, through its fully online platform, WP Online, the University offers 56 fully online degree programs and 20 certificate programs in a wide range of fields including business, healthcare, education, the humanities, and the social sciences. Through its College of Adult and Professional Studies, William Paterson provides innovative approaches to meeting the specific needs of adult learners, including credit for prior learning (CPL) through testing, portfolio assessment of related work experience, and credit equivalency options for professional training and credentials, along with a wide range of wraparound support services.
William Paterson has the fastest-growing graduate enrollment in New Jersey, and the University awarded more MBA degrees than any other institution in 2024. In addition, the University’s nursing enrollment is the largest on any single campus in the state.
As a powerhouse for new talent, William Paterson University offers unmatched support and next-level learning experiences. Together, we're reinventing what an excellent education looks like - here's how.
Our classrooms are never confined to four walls. Students work closely with faculty, get firsthand research experience, and discover fields they never knew existed. And because no two learners are alike, we offer flexible degree options, alternate credentials, and liberal transfer credits.
Your Success Is Our Priority
The transition to college can come with many questions, which is why all first-year Pioneers are paired with a Student Success Team.
This tailored team of experts is composed of a professional advisor, financial aid counselor, career coach, and starting sophomore year, a faculty mentor in the student’s major.
Discover What You Will. Power.
The first semester of college can be overwhelming, and Will. Power. 101, our first-year program, is designed to empower students throughout this life transition. In this semester-long course, students will explore what it means to be a powerhouse in academics, campus involvement and personal development, all while becoming more ingrained in the William Paterson community.
Mentorship That Goes Beyond The Classroom
We have exceptional faculty at William Paterson, and in addition to being experts in their fields, our professors strongly emphasize and prioritize mentorship. Here, students refine and grow in their skills while working alongside and building meaningful relationships with faculty.
We equip our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive, as both thoughtful members of society and career-ready graduates. See how you can excel at William Paterson.
