William & Mary: 33.5% Acceptance Rate

33.5%Acceptance

$25,040Tuition

6,949Students

91%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$73,490Earnings

#5 in VirginiaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About William & Mary

William & Mary carries the weight of American history on its shoulders as the nation's second-oldest university. Three U.S. presidents walked these halls, including Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, cementing the school's reputation as a cradle of American leadership. The 6,949 students who call this small suburban Virginia campus home join a tradition of rigorous liberal arts education that dates back to 1693. This public research university maintains an intimate feel despite its strong status.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,616 net price annually, while even those from higher-income families see substantial savings with an average net price of $22,529. Graduates earn a median of $73,490 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $18,500 highly manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $196, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible.

The academic rigor shows in the numbers that matter most. A 91% six-year graduation rate and 95% retention rate demonstrate that students thrive once they arrive. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 33.5% acceptance rate maintains selectivity. This combination of historical prestige, academic excellence, and financial accessibility makes William & Mary a standout choice for serious scholars.

Academics & Faculty

William & Mary operates as a public research university that punches above its weight academically. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment rare among public institutions. Students benefit from strong liberal arts programs, particularly in history, government, and international relations. The school's 91% six-year graduation rate reflects the academic support students receive. William & Mary's business school and law school draw national recognition. The institution maintains its colonial-era commitment to undergraduate teaching while conducting meaningful research. With a 33.5% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1448, the academic environment attracts serious students who thrive in small seminar-style classes typical of top private colleges.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 79.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 91.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 91.0%
Retention Rate: 94.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $73,490
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$82,440
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$71,202
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$68,499
Law.	Doctoral	$66,087
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$65,610
Public Policy Analysis.	Master	$58,390
Economics.	Bachelor	$53,108
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$52,107
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$48,016
Curriculum and Instruction.	Bachelor	$45,696

View all 79 programs →

Campus Life

The College of William & Mary sits in Colonial Williamsburg, where brick buildings and restored 18th-century structures create one of America's most historic campus settings. Students walk the same paths as Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, who both graduated here. The campus houses 4,455 students in dorms, meaning about 64% of the student body lives on campus. You'll need a winter coat for Virginia's cold months, but spring brings beautiful weather perfect for studying on the historic Sunken Garden.

With 6,949 students total, William & Mary feels intimate despite its research university status. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Williamsburg offers colonial taverns and tourist attractions, but students often head to Virginia Beach or Richmond for weekend adventures. The Tribe athletic teams compete in Division I with 547 student-athletes across 19 sports. Campus traditions run deep here, from the Yule Log ceremony to secret societies that trace back centuries. Students embrace both the academic rigor and the weight of attending America's second-oldest university.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Housing Capacity: 4,455 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

88 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Fondling	12	12	12
Stalking	12	3	6
Rape	5	5	5
Dating Violence	3	2	0
Domestic Violence	2	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	3
Aggravated Assault	0	0	2
Robbery	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–49°F
July Avg: 70°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.2"
Annual Snowfall: 4.3"

Student Demographics

Students at William & Mary come primarily from Virginia, with two-thirds hailing from in-state. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and its role as a top public option for Virginians. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, drawn to the school's well-known liberal arts programs and strong pre-professional tracks. The campus is predominantly white at 61%, though Asian students represent a significant 12% of enrollment. Only 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating William & Mary attracts a largely affluent student population despite its public status.

Men: 41.0%
Women: 59.0%
White: 60.7%
Black: 5.9%
Hispanic: 8.9%
Asian: 11.6%
In-State Students: 66.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 12.1%

Location

William & Mary sits in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, about 50 miles southeast of Richmond. This small college town of 15,000 residents doubles as a living history museum centered around Colonial Williamsburg. The campus blends seamlessly with restored 18th-century buildings and cobblestone streets. Students walk the same paths as the Founding Fathers in America's second-oldest university town. The Chesapeake Bay lies 30 minutes east, offering weekend beach trips and sailing opportunities. With 66% of students coming from Virginia, the school maintains strong in-state connections while drawing talent nationwide. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare William & Mary with similar schools in the region.

Address: Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $73,490
Median Earnings (5 years): $71,273
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $47,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 83.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at William & Mary?

William & Mary accepts 33.5% of applicants, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1375-1520 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for academic excellence as the second oldest university in America.

How much does William & Mary cost after financial aid?

The average net price at William & Mary is $22,529 after aid, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,616 on average, while the school keeps median debt low at $18,500 for a strong institution.

What is the student-faculty ratio at William & Mary?

William & Mary maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 6,949 students. The school combines the intimate academic environment of a liberal arts college with the research opportunities of a major university, producing graduates who earn a median of $73,490 ten years after graduation.

What are the career outcomes for William & Mary graduates?

William & Mary graduates achieve a 94.1% employment rate with strong earning potential throughout their careers. Alumni earn a median of $49,873 in their first year and $73,490 by their tenth year, following in the footsteps of notable graduates including three U.S. presidents and entertainers like Glenn Close and Jon Stewart.

Where is William & Mary located and what is campus life like?

William & Mary sits in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, where 4,455 students can live on campus in a small suburban setting. The school fields 19 varsity sports as the Tribe in NCAA Division I competition, while 94.63% of students return for their sophomore year, indicating strong satisfaction with campus life.

Is William & Mary known for its presidential connections?

William & Mary claims three U.S. presidents among its alumni: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. The school's 91% six-year graduation rate and historic prestige as America's second oldest university continue to attract high-achieving students, with 90.98% graduating in just four years.