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 gives you a strong financial return with low risk. The median debt sits below $20,000, and a 91% graduation rate paired with a 95% retention rate means you're very likely to finish and start earning without an extra year of tuition eating into your budget. Low debt plus high completion is the combination that makes the math work here.
Computer Science is the clear payoff, leading all listed programs and carrying debt in line with everything else on campus. Business Administration follows close behind. The gap opens up after that: Economics and Mathematics land roughly $18,000 lower per year than Computer Science while carrying the same or slightly higher debt, so the return on those degrees is thinner. Curriculum and Instruction pays the least of the listed programs, which fits the teaching field it feeds. You can still make that work with W&M's low debt load, but expect a slower payback.
The main risk is major choice, not the school itself. The debt is consistent across programs, so a lower-earning degree costs you the same to finance while returning less. Pick your field with the earnings numbers in front of you.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families heavily. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $6,400 a year, which makes W&M one of the cheaper four-year options available to you. From there the price climbs sharply: the $48-75k bracket roughly doubles, and above $110,000 you pay the full $35,264. If you're in that top bracket, run the numbers against your intended major before committing, since a lower-earning path at full price narrows the gap.
W&M fits you well if you qualify for the lower net-price tiers or plan to study computing or business. Full-pay families aiming at lower-earning fields should compare cheaper in-state options first.
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.