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36Students
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About William James College

William James College trains the next generation of mental health professionals through intensive graduate programs in psychology and counseling. With just 36 students enrolled, this specialized institution offers an intimate learning environment in Newton, Massachusetts. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with professors who are practicing clinicians and researchers. Three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the gender composition typical of psychology graduate programs.

The financial picture looks promising for such specialized training. With 35% of students receiving financial aid and a median first-year salary of $74,282, graduates enter well-paying careers in mental health. The 42.5% federal loan rate suggests many students finance their education through loans, but the strong earnings potential helps justify the investment. A 97.4% employment rate demonstrates that graduates find work quickly in their field.

The student body brings diverse perspectives to clinical training, with 50% white students, 28% Black students, and 8% Hispanic students. This diversity proves valuable when learning to serve clients from different backgrounds. The small cohort size means you'll form close relationships with classmates who will become professional colleagues throughout your career in psychology and counseling.

Academics & Faculty

This graduate-focused psychology school trains future therapists and mental health professionals. With just 36 students and a 4:1 student-faculty ratio, every student gets intensive mentorship from practicing clinicians. The school specializes in psychology and mental health counseling programs that blend theory with hands-on clinical experience. Students spend significant time in supervised practicum placements at local hospitals and community mental health centers. The 97.4% employment rate reflects strong industry connections and the high demand for licensed therapists in Massachusetts. Three-quarters of students are women, typical for graduate psychology programs. The intimate cohort model means students form tight professional networks that last throughout their careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
4:1
Full-Time Faculty
58.3%
Carnegie Classification
Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Doctoral $56,415
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $47,371

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

With just 36 students total, William James College creates an intimate graduate school environment where everyone knows each other. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with professors who are practicing clinicians and researchers in psychology. Newton sits about 10 miles west of Boston, giving you access to the city's rich mental health community while maintaining a quieter suburban setting for focused study.

New England winters require heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while summers are warm and humid. Most students commute since this is primarily a graduate program, though the small cohort size creates tight bonds during intensive clinical training. With 75% women, the student body reflects the demographics of the counseling field. Weekends often involve study groups preparing for licensing exams or attending psychology conferences in Boston. The 97.4% employment rate shows how well the program prepares graduates for careers in mental health, with many students already working in the field while completing their degrees.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1974

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–37°F
July Avg
64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
49.4"
Annual Snowfall
45.7"

Student Demographics

William James College draws career-focused graduate students pursuing psychology and counseling degrees. The student body is 75% women, reflecting the gender patterns typical in mental health professions. With just 36 total students, everyone knows each other in this intimate academic setting. The college attracts a diverse mix of students, with half identifying as white and significant Black representation. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves students from various economic backgrounds who are committed to entering helping professions despite the financial investment required for graduate training.
Men
25.0%
Women
75.0%
White
50.0%
Black
27.8%
Hispanic
8.3%
Asian
0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.0%

Location

William James College sits in Newton, Massachusetts, just eight miles west of downtown Boston. The campus operates in a suburban setting that puts students within easy reach of one of America's most college-dense metropolitan areas. Newton itself hosts multiple higher education institutions and maintains the polished feel of an affluent Boston suburb. The small city environment offers a quieter alternative to Boston's urban intensity while keeping major cultural and professional opportunities close. Students can access Boston's extensive public transit system to reach internship sites, research facilities, and the broader academic community that defines the greater Boston area. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare William James College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Newton, Massachusetts 02459

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes William James College unique among graduate psychology programs?

William James College operates as a specialized graduate school with just 36 students, creating an intimate learning environment with a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Founded in 1974, the college focuses exclusively on psychology and mental health counseling programs. This boutique approach allows for highly personalized training in therapeutic practices.

How much financial aid do students receive at William James College?

About 35% of students receive financial aid at William James College, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Federal loans are used by 42.5% of students to finance their graduate education. The specialized nature of the programs means students are investing in focused professional training rather than a broad undergraduate experience.

What are the career outcomes for William James College graduates?

William James College boasts a 97.4% employment rate for its graduates, reflecting strong demand for mental health professionals. The median earnings one year after graduation reach $74,282, which is competitive for entry-level positions in counseling and psychology. Graduates typically enter roles as licensed mental health counselors, therapists, and psychological assistants.

Does William James College have a diverse student body?

The student body at William James College is 75% women and 25% men, reflecting typical gender distribution in psychology graduate programs. Racially, the college is 50% White, 27.78% Black, and 8.33% Hispanic students. The small size of 36 total students means each cohort represents a tight-knit learning community.

Where is William James College located and what is the campus like?

William James College sits in Newton, Massachusetts, a small city setting that provides access to the greater Boston mental health community. With only 36 graduate students total, the campus operates more like a professional training institute than a traditional college. Students benefit from proximity to Boston's extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities for internships and practicum experiences.

How intensive are the academic programs at William James College?

The 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio at William James College means students receive exceptionally close mentorship throughout their graduate training. The college operates on a semester system, allowing for deep immersion in clinical psychology and counseling coursework. This intensive model prepares students for immediate entry into mental health practice upon graduation.