William & Mary
About William & Mary
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
William & Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is the second-oldest college in the United States and is known for its rigorous academics, historic campus, and strong programs in law, business, education, and the liberal arts.
Founded
1693
Location
Williamsburg, Virginia
Students
9,810
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
34.1%
Selective
Graduation Rate
89.4%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$25,914
Out-of-state: $51,038
Avg Net Price
$19,096
After financial aid
SAT Average
1473
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$73,490
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
34.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 5
William & Mary accepts 34.1% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1473 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1473/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
89.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
94.6%
4-Year Grad
86%
6-Year Grad
91%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
78.7%
$/Student
$18.2K
Class Size
Medium
86% of students graduate on time, and with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$25,914
In-State
$51,038
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,182
Books & Supplies
$1,050
Total Cost of Attendance
$43,035
After Financial Aid
$19,096
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,106
Receive Grants
12.5%
Take Loans
21.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $43,035/yr for in-state students, including $16,182 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $19,096. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $51,038.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at William & Mary fund their education.
While in School
12.5%
Get Grants
Free money
21.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$96,498
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$196/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 21.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends William & Mary.
Gender
58.7%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,055
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,755
Graduates
13.2%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Small
Campus Quick Facts
7,055
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Colonial Williamsburg setting is historically unique
- +Small classes with strong faculty relationships
- +Public Ivy academics at state school tuition
- +Tight-knit, intellectually curious community
Cons
- -Williamsburg is a small town with limited nightlife
- -Campus facilities show their age in some areas
- -Academic pressure is intense for a public school
- -Greek life has significant social influence
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
William & Mary fields 12 varsity teams with 679 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Colonial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
679
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
346
Men
333
Women
9
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of William & Maryearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$73,490
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$75K
200 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$41K
190 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$37K
181 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$30K
139 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$27K
125 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$66K
122 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $63K at six years, $60K at eight, and $73K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about William & Mary
What is the acceptance rate at William & Mary?▾
How much does William & Mary cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at William & Mary?▾
How much do William & Mary graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.