Williams College
About Williams College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Williams College is a private liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the Berkshire Mountains. One of the most prestigious colleges in the nation with an 8.5% acceptance rate, it offers programs in economics, political science, and the sciences, with a 95% graduation rate.
Founded
1793
Location
Williamstown, Massachusetts
Students
2,125
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
8.3%
Highly selective
Graduation Rate
93.6%
Above national average
Tuition
$68,560
Per year
Avg Net Price
$17,716
After financial aid
SAT Average
1533
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$88,665
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Most Selective
Only 8.3 out of 100 applicants are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 5
With a 8.3% acceptance rate and an average SAT of 1533, Williams College is among the most selective schools in the country. Every part of your application needs to stand out.
SAT Scores
1533/ 1600
ACT Scores
34/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Excellent
93.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.9%
4-Year Grad
85%
6-Year Grad
94%
Teaching Quality
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
87.7%
$/Student
$51.9K
Class Size
Small
85% of students graduate on time, and 87.7% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$68,560
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,260
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,860
After Financial Aid
$17,716
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$-2,610
Receive Grants
17.6%
Take Loans
4.8%
Don't let the $68,560 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $17,716 after financial aid, a 74% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $-2,610.
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 Williams College fund their education.
While in School
17.6%
Get Grants
Free money
4.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$52,356
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$12,761
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$135/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $12,761, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Williams College.
Gender
52.5%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,076
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
49
Graduates
21.5%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 48% men). 21.5% are first-generation college students. 8.8% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
2,076
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
No
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Williams College fields 19 varsity teams with 962 student athletes, about 46% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
NESCAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
19
Biggest: Track and Field (Indoor)
Student Athletes
962
46% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
522
Men
440
Women
16
Men's Teams
16
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Williams Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$88,665
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Economics
$81K
134 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$44K
63 grads
1yr Earnings
English Language and Literature, General
$49K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$41K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$111K
56 grads
1yr Earnings
Mathematics
$55K
55 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $72K six years out, climb to $60K by year eight, and reach $89K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Williams College
What is the acceptance rate at Williams College?▾
How much does Williams College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Williams College?▾
How much do Williams College 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.