At $22,529/yr net price, William & Mary graduates earn $73,490/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,490/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,529 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,490/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,490/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 91.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,616/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,407/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,603/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,439/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,264/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $82,440 | $46,388 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,202 | $19,794 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,499 | $52,625 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $66,087 | $105,023 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $65,610 | $19,500 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $58,390 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $53,108 | $19,500 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $20,000 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $48,016 | $20,500 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
The Risk Factor
91.0% of students at William & Mary graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
William & Mary delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $73,490 and relatively low debt of $18,500, making it one of the better ROI choices among public universities. Your net price of $22,529 per year means you'll likely break even within five years of graduation.
Computer Science majors get the best deal with $71,202 earnings and just $19,794 in debt. Business programs show mixed results with management tracks earning $65,610-$68,499 but debt varying wildly from $19,500 to $52,625 depending on your specific program. Law school graduates face a tougher calculation with $105,023 in debt against $66,087 earnings, requiring careful consideration of your career goals.
The biggest financial risk here is William & Mary's stingy aid policies. Only 12% of students receive need-based aid, far below the national average. If you don't qualify for in-state tuition or have family resources to cover costs, you could graduate with much higher debt than the median figures suggest.
This school works best financially if you're a Virginia resident pursuing Computer Science, Business, or Educational Administration. Out-of-state students should run the numbers carefully since you'll pay significantly more than the listed net price. The 91% graduation rate means you're likely to finish your degree, but the limited aid makes this a risky choice if you're borrowing heavily to attend.
Focus on merit scholarships if you're applying from out of state, as need-based aid won't cover the gap for most families. The strong alumni network in Virginia and D.C. helps with job placement, but that geographic advantage matters most if you plan to work in the region after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William & Mary worth the cost compared to other Virginia schools?
William & Mary graduates earn $73,490 ten years after graduation with median debt of just $18,500, making it one of the better values among Virginia public universities. The $22,529 net price is reasonable for a school with a 91% graduation rate.
What are the highest paying majors at William & Mary?
Educational Administration leads at $82,440, followed by Computer Science at $71,202. Business programs range from $65,610 to $68,499, while Law graduates average $66,087.
How much debt do William & Mary students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $18,500, which is relatively low for a four-year degree. This manageable debt load combined with strong earnings potential makes the financial risk reasonable for most students.
Does William & Mary have good job placement after graduation?
With a 91% graduation rate and median earnings of $73,490 after ten years, William & Mary students generally find solid career paths. The school's reputation in Virginia helps with job placement, particularly in education, business, and government sectors.