,·Public Research University·Est. 1693
“The second-oldest university in the nation, where history and innovation meet.”
The College of William & Mary is the second-oldest university in the United States, founded in 1693 by royal charter in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Despite its small size, W&M punches far above its weight — it is consistently ranked among the nation's top public universities and offers students an elite academic experience with the feel of a selective liberal arts college. W&M's undergraduate programs are highly regarded across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business. The Raymond A. Mason School of Business, the College of Arts & Sciences, and programs in law, education, and marine science all attract exceptional students and faculty. The university's Washington D.C. proximity opens tremendous internship and career pathways for students in government, law, and policy. The campus itself is a national landmark — the historic Wren Building (1695) is one of the oldest academic buildings in the United States, and the College's Williamsburg setting places students at the heart of American history. Small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a culture of intellectual curiosity define the W&M experience. Students here graduate with the analytical skills and collaborative mindset to make an impact in whatever field they choose.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Top Public Schools
US News 2026
Forbes America's Top Colleges
Forbes 2025
Undergraduate Teaching
US News 2026
Business (Undergraduate)
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding early decision
Early Decision II
Binding early decision second round
Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
$26,446
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$52,718
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
The largest division at W&M, offering programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
A nationally ranked business school offering undergraduate and MBA programs with a strong emphasis on ethics and leadership.
Prepares future educators and school leaders with innovative, research-based programs.
One of the largest marine research and education centers in the US, offering undergraduate research opportunities.
4 years
One of the most prestigious undergraduate government programs in the U.S.; tight ties to DC think tanks and federal agencies, and consistent placement into top law schools.
4 years
AACSB-accredited BBA with strong outcomes in finance, consulting, and accounting; recruits target W&M for Wall Street and Big Four roles.
4 years
Unique transatlantic BA earned by spending two years at W&M and two at the University of St Andrews in Scotland; available in International Relations, History, Economics, Film Studies, English, Classics.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $71,080
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
