William & Mary

1. General Information

About (Overview)

William & Mary, officially known as the College of William & Mary, is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Established in 1693 through a royal charter from King William III and Queen Mary II, it stands as the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, following Harvard University.

The university is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and vibrant campus life. With a commitment to fostering intellectual growth and civic engagement, William & Mary offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Its historic campus, highlighted by the iconic Wren Building, provides a unique blend of tradition and innovation, creating an environment conducive to scholarly pursuits and personal development.

Contact Information

  • Address: College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
  • Phone Number: +1 757-221-4000
  • Email Address: info@wm.edu

School Facts

FactDetails
Founding Year1693
Motto“Sic semper tyrannis”
TypePublic University
AffiliationState University of Virginia
Campus SettingSuburban
Total EnrollmentApproximately 9,800 students

William & Mary Rankings

Ranking OrganizationNational RankGlobal Rank
U.S. News & World Report#33 overall, #9 publicN/A
ForbesTop 50 Public CollegesN/A
QS World University RankingsN/A#1001-1200

2. William & Mary Academics

William & Mary Faculties / Departments

William & Mary comprises several schools and colleges, each offering a diverse array of programs:

  • Faculty of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Business
  • School of Education
  • School of Law
  • School of Marine Science
  • Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

William & Mary Courses and Programs / Majors

The university offers over 40 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, including:

  • Undergraduate Majors: Accounting, Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Government, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, and more.
  • Graduate Programs: MBA, M.Ed., M.S. in Marine Science, J.D., Ph.D. in various disciplines, and other specialized programs.
  • Minors and Certificates: Africana Studies, Environmental Science, Film Studies, Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies, Global Studies, and more.

Online Learning

William & Mary offers a selection of online programs and courses, providing flexible learning options for students. These programs maintain the university’s high academic standards and are designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals and non-traditional students.

Average Test Scores

TestMid-50% Range
SAT1400–1530
ACT32–34

Retention and Graduation Rates

William & Mary boasts strong retention and graduation rates:

  • 1-Year Retention Rate: Approximately 94%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: Approximately 85%
  • 5-Year Graduation Rate: Approximately 88%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: Approximately 89%

3. William & Mary Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

  • High School GPA: Mid-50% range of 4.0–4.5
  • SAT: Mid-50% range of 1400–1530
  • ACT: Mid-50% range of 32–34

William & Mary Acceptance Rate

YearAcceptance Rate
202434%

William & Mary Application Requirements

Applicants to William & Mary are required to submit the following:

  • Completed application form
  • Official high school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional for some programs)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Application fee or fee waiver

Application Process

  1. Complete and submit the online application form.
  2. Provide all required documents, including transcripts and test scores.
  3. Pay the application fee or submit a fee waiver.
  4. Await admission decision.
  5. If accepted, confirm enrollment and submit any additional required documents.

William & Mary Application Deadlines / Important Dates

Application TypeDeadline
Early DecisionNovember 1
Regular DecisionJanuary 1

Essay Prompt

William & Mary requires applicants to submit a personal statement or essay as part of the application process. The prompt typically asks applicants to discuss their academic interests, personal experiences, and reasons for choosing William & Mary.

William & Mary Scholarships

The university offers a range of scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. These scholarships aim to make education more accessible and reward students for their achievements.

William & Mary Tuition and Fees

CategoryIn-StateOut-of-State
Tuition$18,709$43,442
Room and BoardVariesVaries
FeesVariesVaries
Total Estimated CostVariesVaries

4. Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics

William & Mary has a diverse student body:

  • Gender Ratio: Approximately 59% female, 41% male
  • International Students: Approximately 3% of the student population
  • Age Range: Primarily traditional-aged students, with some non-traditional students enrolled

Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities

The university is committed to supporting low-income students and those with disabilities. It offers various financial aid programs, including need-based grants and scholarships, as well as accommodations and support services for students with disabilities.

Student Body

CategoryNumber
Total Enrollment~9,800
Undergraduate Students~7,000
Graduate Students~2,800
International Students~3%

University Diversity

William & Mary prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The student body represents a wide array of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, contributing to a rich and dynamic campus environment. The university offers various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported.

Average Earnings

Graduates of William & Mary have strong earning potential. The university’s emphasis on academic excellence and career readiness equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen fields. Alumni have reported competitive salaries, reflecting the value of a William & Mary degree in the job market.

5. William & Mary Faculty and Staff

Teachers and Staff

William & Mary employs a dedicated and accomplished faculty and staff who are committed to providing high-quality education and support to students. The faculty members are experts in their respective fields, engaging in research and scholarly activities that enhance the learning experience.

Faculty Profiles

Faculty members at William & Mary bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. They are actively involved in research, contributing to advancements in various disciplines. Many faculty members have received accolades and recognition for their teaching and research efforts, underscoring the university’s commitment to academic excellence.

6. William & Mary Campus and Student Life

Campus Life / Housing

William & Mary offers a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations, events, and activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Housing options include traditional residence halls, suite-style accommodations, and apartment-style living, providing students with various choices to suit their preferences.

Transportation

The university is accessible via multiple transportation options, including public transit and campus shuttles. On-campus mobility is facilitated through pedestrian-friendly pathways and bike-friendly infrastructure, ensuring that students can navigate the campus efficiently.