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 gives you a strong financial return with unusually low risk. Median debt sits under $13,000, and the 96.6% graduation rate means you are very likely to actually finish and start earning. That combination , real earning power, low borrowing, near-certain completion , is what makes the numbers work here.
Computer science is the clear payoff. Its graduates out-earn economics majors by roughly $20,000 a year, while carrying nearly identical debt. Economics also pays well and stays a safe bet. The gap widens further down: math and political science graduates earn in the low-to-mid $50,000s, close to half what CS pays, with political science carrying the least debt of any listed program. If your goal is maximizing income, the major you pick at Williams matters more than the school choice itself.
The main financial risk is the sticker end of the price scale. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay roughly $48,000 a year , more than five times what families in the $75,000-$110,000 band pay. At full price, a lower-earning major like math or political science stretches the return timeline considerably, even with the low debt loads.
This school fits you well if your family income lands under $110,000, where the net price drops sharply and the debt-to-earnings math is hard to beat. It also fits you if you plan to major in computer science or economics regardless of income. If you are paying near the top price and lean toward the lower-earning majors, run the specific numbers before committing , the return is real but slower, and other schools may cost you far less for a similar outcome.
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.