William Woods University
WWU/William Woods/The Woods
Fulton, Missouri 65251-2388
Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
William Woods University is a private institution in Fulton with particular strength in business and biology.
A small campus of 1.1K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
57% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $42,401 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $22,270.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
William Woods University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
49.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,425
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
6
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (57)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
74%
- •74% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History First known as the Female Orphan School, the institution was founded in 1870 in Camden Point, Missouri, in response to the needs of girls who were orphaned during the American Civil War.
- •During the late nineteenth century, the institution moved to Fulton and expanded its elementary and secondary programs to accommodate young women who aspired to become teachers.
- •Known briefly at the beginning of the twentieth century as Daughters College, it changed its name to William Woods College in 1900 to honor a major benefactor (William S.
- •In 1962, anticipating dramatic changes in the role of American women in the labor force, William Woods became a four-year college.
- •In 1992, William Woods College changed its name to William Woods University, and began offering a wide variety of graduate-level degree programs, geared toward the working adult.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average