Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Williams College is a private institution in Williamstown with particular strength in biology and computer science. With an average SAT of 1527, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.1K undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
97% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $88,665 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,852.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
Parking information›
Lot directly behind Weston Hall
News & Alerts
Williams College 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
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1527
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by Mid-December
Aid deadline: November 15
Regular Decision
January 1
Decision by Early April
Reply by May 1
Williams is permanently test-optional, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores
Williams requires several supplemental essays exploring intellectual curiosity and community values
Financial Aid
First U.S. school to offer "all-grant" financial aid — no loans AND no required earnings contributions (no required campus job)
Williams is need-blind for all applicants, including international students
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
94.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$11,667
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
14
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
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).
Academics
Williams requires three courses in each of three divisions (languages/arts, social sciences, science/mathematics), a quantitative reasoning course, two intensive writing courses, plus a Difference, Power, and Equity (DPE) requirement
Research: Williams offers extensive research opportunities through Summer Science Program and Humanities and Social Sciences Research Funding
Thesis: Honors thesis available in most majors; colloquium or independent study required for all seniors
Programs (33)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
97%
- •97% 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
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
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.
Notable Alumni
James A. Garfield 1856
20th President of the United States
Stephen Sondheim '50
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composer
Elia Kazan '30
Academy Award-winning film director
George Steinbrenner '52
Former owner of the New York Yankees
Steve Case '80
Co-founder of AOL
Wang Leehom '98
International recording artist
Lina Khan '11
Chair of the Federal Trade Commission
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Ephs
History & Fun Facts
- •Williams was killed at the Battle of Lake George on September 8, 1755.
- •His will included a bequest to support and maintain a free school to be established in the town of West Hoosac, Massachusetts, provided the town change its name to Williamstown.
- •Members of the Williams family first attempted to found Queens College in Hatfield, Massachusetts, in 1762.
- •In 1765, the west township was incorporated as Williamstown.
- •The Williamstown Free School opened with 15 students on October 26, 1791.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Compact, highly walkable campus in scenic mountain village setting
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Clark Art Institutewalkable
World-renowned art museum featuring Impressionist paintings
Williams College Museum of Artwalkable
Campus art museum with 15,000 works
Mount Greylock
Highest peak in Massachusetts with hiking trails
MASS MoCA
Contemporary art museum in nearby North Adams
Taconic Trail State Park
Scenic area for hiking and outdoor recreation
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 15
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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