William & Mary

William & Mary's negative ROI score suggests that the median earnings may not fully justify the cost and debt for all students, warranting careful financial planning.

William & Mary is known for its strong academic programs, evidenced by its high graduation rate and the solid median earnings of its alumni.

The student experience at William & Mary is at a medium-sized public university with a diverse student body and a 34.1% admission rate.

With an Affordability Score of 75, William & Mary appears relatively affordable, especially for in-state students, though the overall ROI should still be considered.

The median debt at graduation for students at William & Mary is $18,500.

William & Mary has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate hovering around 34.1%. This indicates that for every 100 applicants, approximately 34 are offered admission. Getting into W&M requires a strong academic profile, including high GPAs, challenging coursework (AP, IB, honors classes), and competitive standardized test scores (though many schools are test-optional, strong scores can still bolster an application). Beyond academics, W&M seeks well-rounded individuals who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and a genuine interest in the university's liberal arts tradition. Essays are crucial for showcasing personality, critical thinking, and fit with the W&M community. Extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest also play significant roles. Applicants should aim to be in the top percentile of their high school class and present a compelling narrative that highlights their unique strengths and potential contributions to the W&M campus.

William & Mary offers a strong return on investment, particularly for in-state students, though out-of-state tuition requires careful consideration. The median 10-year earnings of $73,490 suggest graduates are well-compensated, and with median debt at $18,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio is favorable. For in-state students paying $25,914 annually, the total cost over four years is roughly $103,656. This investment can be recouped relatively quickly, potentially within 5-7 years based on median earnings. Out-of-state students face a significantly higher cost, making the ROI less immediate. However, W&M's strong reputation, rigorous academics, and robust alumni network often lead to career outcomes comparable to more expensive private institutions. The value lies in the quality of education and the long-term career advantages it provides. While the ROI score suggests an initial dip, the long-term earning potential and career satisfaction generally make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who can leverage in-state tuition or secure significant financial aid.

William & Mary excels in a broad range of liberal arts and sciences, making many majors strong choices. Historically, programs like Government, Economics, English, and History are highly regarded, feeding into prominent careers in law, public policy, finance, and consulting. The Computer Science department is also increasingly popular and competitive, preparing students for lucrative tech roles. For students interested in business, the Mason School of Business offers excellent undergraduate programs in Finance and Marketing, known for their rigorous curriculum and strong placement rates. Biology and Chemistry are robust pre-med and pre-health pathways. The university also offers unique interdisciplinary programs like International Relations and Public Policy, which leverage W&M's strengths in government and economics. The 'best' major ultimately depends on individual interests and career aspirations, but W&M's core strengths lie in analytical thinking, strong writing, and quantitative reasoning, which are fostered across its diverse academic offerings.

Student life at William & Mary is characterized by a strong sense of community, intellectual engagement, and a blend of traditional campus activities within a historic setting. The university fosters a collaborative and spirited atmosphere, often described as 'work hard, play hard.' Students are academically driven, with a significant portion involved in research, internships, and demanding coursework. Social life often revolves around campus events, clubs, and organizations – W&M boasts over 400 student groups, ranging from academic and cultural clubs to recreational sports and volunteer organizations. The Greek life system is prominent, with fraternities and sororities playing a significant role in the social scene for many students. Traditions are deeply ingrained, such as the 'Sunken Garden' for graduation photos and the 'Crimson and Gold' spirit. While not a party school, there are ample opportunities for social gatherings, concerts, and athletic events. The historic campus itself, with its colonial architecture and beautiful grounds, provides a unique backdrop for student life, encouraging exploration and a strong connection to the university's rich past.

William & Mary is committed to making its education accessible and offers a range of financial aid options to eligible students. Approximately 40-45% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. The university offers both need-based grants and scholarships, as well as merit-based awards. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the average need-based grant awarded was around $25,000-$30,000, significantly reducing the net cost of attendance for many families. W&M also participates in federal and state aid programs, including Pell Grants and Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG). While W&M does not offer athletic scholarships, it does provide merit scholarships for exceptional academic achievement. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile (if applicable) to determine their eligibility for need-based aid. The university's financial aid office provides resources and counseling to help families navigate the application process and understand their aid packages.

Graduates from William & Mary can expect competitive starting salaries, with the median earnings 10 years after graduation reported at $73,490. This figure reflects a broad average across all majors and career paths. Specific salary expectations vary significantly by major and industry. For instance, graduates from the Mason School of Business, particularly in finance and consulting, often secure starting salaries in the range of $70,000-$90,000, with potential for bonuses. Computer Science graduates typically command starting salaries between $75,000-$100,000 in tech roles. Those entering public service or non-profit sectors may have lower starting salaries but often benefit from strong job security and opportunities for advancement. Graduates pursuing law or further graduate studies will have different earning trajectories based on their chosen fields. The strong alumni network and career services support contribute to W&M graduates' ability to secure well-compensated positions relatively quickly after graduation.

William & Mary offers a variety of on-campus housing options designed to foster community and support student life. First-year students are typically required to live on campus, ensuring a smooth transition and immersion in the university experience. Housing options range from traditional residence halls with double or triple occupancy rooms and shared common bathrooms to suite-style living and apartment-style units for upperclassmen. Many dorms are organized into 'communities' based on academic interests or living-learning programs, facilitating connections among residents. Common amenities in residence halls include study lounges, common areas, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access. While dorms vary in age and style, the university invests in maintaining and updating its housing stock. Upperclassmen have more options, including living in apartment-style buildings or even off-campus housing, though many choose to remain on campus due to the convenience and community. Overall, W&M's dorms provide a comfortable and conducive environment for academic success and social development.

William & Mary provides excellent opportunities for undergraduate research, deeply integrating it into the academic experience. As a public liberal arts university, it emphasizes hands-on learning and scholarly inquiry across disciplines. Students can engage in research through various avenues: independent study projects with faculty, formal research programs like the Summer Research Program, and capstone projects required in many majors. The university encourages students to work closely with faculty mentors, fostering a collaborative research environment. W&M has dedicated research facilities and labs, particularly strong in sciences like marine science (through its Gloucester Marine Science Consortium affiliation), biology, chemistry, and physics. Humanities and social science students also have ample opportunities to conduct research, often utilizing university archives and digital humanities resources. Faculty are actively involved in research and often seek undergraduate assistants, providing invaluable experience and mentorship. This strong emphasis on undergraduate research prepares students exceptionally well for graduate studies and research-oriented careers.

William & Mary is often compared to other highly selective public universities and top-tier liberal arts colleges. Its closest public peers include the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, both offering strong academics and a broad range of programs. W&M distinguishes itself with a slightly smaller size and a more pronounced focus on undergraduate teaching and a liberal arts core curriculum compared to the larger research-intensive flagships like UVA or UNC. It also competes with selective private liberal arts colleges, offering a similar intimate educational experience but often at a lower price point, especially for in-state students. Compared to these peers, W&M offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, a strong sense of tradition, and a highly engaged alumni network, particularly influential in government and finance. While it may not have the same breadth of graduate programs or research funding as larger state flagships, its strength lies in providing a personalized, high-quality undergraduate education with excellent career outcomes.

Employers hold William & Mary degrees in high regard, recognizing the university's commitment to academic rigor and critical thinking. W&M graduates are known for their strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities (both written and verbal), and intellectual curiosity. This reputation makes them attractive candidates for a wide range of competitive fields, including management consulting, finance, law, technology, and government service. Companies like Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, JPMorgan Chase, and various federal agencies actively recruit W&M students, viewing them as well-prepared and capable hires. The university's strong alumni network also plays a crucial role, with graduates often advocating for and mentoring fellow alumni within their organizations. The perception is that a W&M degree signifies a well-rounded, intellectually capable individual ready to contribute meaningfully to the workplace.