At $14,852/yr net price, Williams College graduates earn $88,665/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $54,665/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,852 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $88,665/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$54,665/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 96.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,761 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,825/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,374/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $96,183 | $12,208 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $12,925 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $68,219 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $13,807 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $51,482 | $10,750 |
| 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 | $13,125 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $11,850 |
The Risk Factor
96.6% of students at Williams College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Williams College delivers strong financial returns despite its liberal arts focus, with median earnings of $88,665 ten years after graduation putting it well above most colleges nationwide. Your net cost of under $15,000 annually makes this one of the best educational bargains available, assuming you qualify for the generous need-based aid that covers most students.
Computer science majors see the highest returns at over $96,000, while economics graduates earn $76,460. Even traditionally lower-paying fields like political science still produce solid outcomes at $51,482, likely due to Williams' alumni network strength in finance, consulting, and government. Mathematics majors face a concerning earnings gap at just $53,358, making this program a questionable investment unless you plan graduate school.
Your biggest financial risk is not qualifying for aid, since Williams offers virtually no merit scholarships and the sticker price exceeds $80,000. The 17% of students paying full price face a much weaker ROI calculation. The rural Massachusetts location also limits local internship and job opportunities compared to urban campuses.
Williams works best financially if you come from a middle or lower-income family and can access the need-based aid. The combination of low debt loads and strong alumni networks creates excellent outcomes for most graduates. However, if you're paying full price or considering lower-earning majors like mathematics, you should carefully weigh alternatives before committing to this investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Williams College worth the cost?
Williams College offers solid ROI with graduates earning $88,665 ten years out and relatively low debt at $12,761. The net price of $14,852 after aid makes it affordable for most families, though outcomes vary significantly by major.
What are the highest paying majors at Williams College?
Computer Science leads at $96,183 median earnings, followed by Economics at $76,460. Political Science graduates earn just $51,482, showing major choice matters significantly for ROI at Williams.
How much financial aid does Williams College give?
Williams reduces costs from the full sticker price to an average net price of $14,852 per year. This generous aid makes the school accessible, though families should verify their specific aid eligibility.
Do Williams College graduates have high student debt?
Williams graduates carry relatively low debt at $12,761 median, well below national averages. Combined with strong earning potential, this creates manageable debt-to-income ratios for most graduates.