10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Paterson, NJ

Paterson, New Jersey is located in Northern New Jersey and is a short drive from New York City.

Colleges near Paterson, New Jersey allow students to benefit from world-class educational programs in a fast-paced, metropolitan context.

Earning a degree in one of the country's most innovative and exciting regions can provide students with increased employment opportunities after graduation.

Featured Colleges in Paterson, NJ

Here are our top colleges near Paterson, New Jersey, chosen for accessibility, innovation, and value.

1. William Paterson University

William Paterson University (WPU) is the city's flagship institution.

The public university has over 10,000 students and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

WPU is located on a beautiful 370-acre suburban campus with easy access to walking and running trails.

The university has a strong commitment to inclusivity and both the student body and faculty are diverse and welcoming.

The Pioneer Award Tuition Waiver allows out-of-state and international students to pay the affordable in-state tuition rate.

2. Montclair State University

Montclair State University (MSU) is a large public university with personality. MSU is the second-largest university in the state with an enrollment of over 18,000.

MSU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 and offers 300 programs in 13 different colleges.

Over 50% of MSU students identify as underrepresented minorities and the university has an emphasis on diversity.

Many students have families or work full-time so MSU degrees are designed to be flexible and efficient.

3. Felician University

Felician University is a private liberal arts university that puts the experience of its students at the center of everything it does.

Around 2,300 students study at the university and the degrees are flexible enough to accommodate a range of scheduling needs.

Felician University is on a mission to make a high-quality education affordable. All incoming freshmen receive grants or scholarships and the average aid is $19,000 per student.

4. Berkeley College Woodland Park

Berkeley College's Woodland Park campus is another great option for colleges near Paterson, New Jersey.

Berkeley has an enrollment of over 3,500 and seeks to enable students to experience lifelong success.

Popular programs of study include nursing, business, communication, information technology, management, criminal justice, and interior design.

Students can take part in a range of campus activities like intramural sports or social clubs.

5. Caldwell University

Students looking for an accessible private liberal arts degree should consider Caldwell University.

Caldwell University offers students a comprehensive education and the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.

The campus is located in a charming area that has been rated one of the best places to live in New Jersey.

The university offers 36 undergraduate degrees and 31 graduate programs.

6. Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSM) has been training leaders in healthcare in a range of innovative degree programs.

The curriculum is evidence-based and focused on community healthcare outcomes. HMSM instructors are passionate and highly experienced.

HMSM develops healthcare practitioners with the ability to think critically and work in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

All programs emphasize empathy and the human component of healthcare.

7. Bloomfield College

Bloomfield College offers students near Paterson, New Jersey the chance to earn a high-quality college degree at an affordable price.

Over half of students are first-generation college students and the college has won awards for its positive contribution to social mobility.

SAT/ACT scores are optional for admissions and students will be able to experience a vibrant campus life.

Graduates of Bloomfield College's nursing program have a 94% pass rate on the state licensing exam.

8. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University is the largest private university in the state of New Jersey.

FDU has over 12,000 students and offers over 100 degrees and programs at all levels of study.

Students will find a cutting-edge campus that offers several exciting clubs and social organizations.

FDU supports the future of each student with one-on-one career counseling and guidance.

9. Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College of New Jersey is an excellent choice for a public college near Paterson, New Jersey.

The college sits on a beautiful campus near many lakes and rivers in beautiful Mahwah, New Jersey.

87% of graduates find work or are continuing their education within a year of graduation.

Students can attend a campus tour to get a better sense of the campus atmosphere.

10. Kean University

Kean University is one of New Jersey's finest research institutions and offers many well-respected programs.

The school was founded in 1855 and has a mission of inspiring world-changing leaders in every field.

Kean's faculty are nationally recognized not only for their research but also their ability to mentor students.

Kean has a flexible transfer policy that helps students finish their degrees and also offers a range of generous grants and scholarships.

What Is the Biggest School Near Paterson, New Jersey?

The biggest school near Paterson, New Jersey is Montclair State University (MSU).

MSU is a public university with a total enrollment of 18,062. 89% of students study full-time and 11% are enrolled part-time.

How To Choose the Right College Near Paterson, New Jersey

Colleges near Paterson, New Jersey give students the chance to study in one of the most vibrant regions of the country.

Visiting different campuses can help you determine the best fit for your current needs and preferences.

It is also important to make sure that the university offers a strong program in your area of interest.

Paying for Your Degree Near Paterson, New Jersey

Students should choose an affordable degree and optimize their financial aid package to make a college degree financially accessible.

Public universities typically offer affordable tuition rates to state residents, but some private institutions also offer competitive tuition rates.

Filling out the FAFSA form and speaking to the financial aid department at any university can help you maximize sources of aid such as federal grants and scholarships.

Start Your Degree Near Paterson, New Jersey Today

Colleges near Paterson, New Jersey offer degrees that can change the course of your life.

Don't wait to start an education that will take you to the next stage of your career.