About Williams College
The sticker price hits $82,160 per year, but most families pay far less. Students from families earning $75,000 to $110,000 typically pay just $8,825 after aid. Even families earning over $110,000 often pay around $48,374, well below the full cost. Graduates earn a median of $88,665 ten years after graduation, and most leave with only $12,761 in debt. With monthly loan payments averaging just $135, the financial return makes sense.
Williams students are serious about both academics and athletics. About one-third of students play varsity sports across 32 Division III teams, earning the nickname "Ephs." The 96.6% graduation rate shows students stick around and finish strong. Nearly everyone (96.53% retention rate) returns after freshman year, suggesting students find what they're looking for in the Berkshire Mountains.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 85.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 95.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 96.6%
- Retention Rate
- 96.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $88,665
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $96,183 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $51,482 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $49,644 |
| History. | Bachelor | $49,464 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $44,384 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $40,461 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
Campus Life
With 32 varsity sports and 680 total athletes, about one-third of students play a sport, creating a culture where intramurals and pickup games happen constantly. The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name and often invite classes to their homes for dinner. Weekends center around campus since Williamstown is small, with students hiking local trails, attending a cappella concerts, or heading to house parties. The entry system groups first-years into tight communities that often become lifelong friend groups. Mountain Day, when classes are cancelled for an impromptu hike, captures the outdoorsy spirit that defines Williams.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 2,078 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1793
Campus Safety (2023)
47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 12 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–32°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 52.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.7%
- Women
- 51.3%
- White
- 47.1%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 13.7%
- Asian
- 13.9%
- In-State Students
- 14.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.2%
Location
- Address
- Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $88,665
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $77,321
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $135/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,761
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Williams College?
Williams College accepts just 8.5% of applicants, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. Students who get in typically score around 1525 on the SAT, reflecting the school's academic excellence and prestige.
How much does Williams College cost after financial aid?
Despite a sticker price of $82,160, Williams College's average net price is only $14,852 thanks to generous financial aid. The school meets full demonstrated need for students, with families earning $75,000-$110,000 paying an average of just $8,825 annually.
What makes academics unique at Williams College?
Williams operates with an exceptional 6:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for intimate classroom discussions and personalized attention. The college is famous for its tutorial system, where professors work one-on-one or with just two students, similar to Oxford and Cambridge.
How much do Williams College graduates earn?
Williams graduates earn a median salary of $88,665 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a liberal arts education from this top institution. The school maintains a 96.6% six-year graduation rate, ensuring most students complete their degrees successfully.
Where is Williams College located and what is campus life like?
Williams sits in the scenic Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, with 2,060 students living in a tight-knit community. About 33% of students participate in varsity athletics across 32 Division III sports, earning the nickname 'Ephs' after the school's founder Ephraim Williams.
Does Williams College follow a typical academic calendar?
Williams uses a unique Four-One-Four calendar system, featuring two regular semesters plus a special January term called 'Winter Study.' During this one-month period, students take experimental courses, pursue internships, or work on independent projects that wouldn't fit in a traditional semester.
