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W&M at a Glance

W&M at a Glance

Distinct & Distinguished

William & Mary brings together the global opportunities of a teaching, learning and research university with the personal education of a liberal arts and sciences institution. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, W&M offers a top-rated academic experience while being consistently recognized as one of the best values in the nation.

Chartered in 1693, W&M is one of the first institutions of higher learning in America, with many notable distinctions.

W&M Students Hail from Across the Globe

Our community welcomes diverse students from across the nation and around the world. 

 

Six Schools Fit a Range of Academic Interests

William & Mary offers undergraduate, graduate  and online programs across multiple schools and dozens of academic departments.

  • Arts & Sciences

    Preparing critical thinkers and problem solvers to make a difference in the world.

  • School of Business

    Delivering real-world, hands-on learning experiences driven by our distinctive ideals of principled achievement, entrepreneurship and innovation.

  • Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences

    Preparing students to address global challenges in estuarine, coastal and marine systems through societally relevant lab and fieldwork.

  • School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics

    Opening in fall 2025, the school will expand the university's ability to prepare students to thrive in a data-rich world.

  • School of Education

    Empowering transformative educational leaders for a rapidly changing world and academic landscape.

  • Law School

    Educating highly skilled advocates, ready to serve their clients and their communities with thoughtful engagement and unwavering integrity.

Impressive Outcomes and Career Connections

From the first internship to the last job, W&M students graduate career-ready for lifelong success. According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, W&M undergraduate alumni earn nearly 22% more than the national median starting salary.

Earn a One-of-a-Kind Education

W&M combines the global opportunities of a larger research university with the personal education of a liberal arts and sciences institution. Reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and expanding career opportunities, William & Mary is designated an "R1" research institution for its high-level, cutting-edge research by the Carnegie Classification system.

Two students in lab coats doing research in a lab under the guidance of a faculty member

Participate in Research Your First Year

Almost 85% of undergraduate students are involved in faculty-mentored research, with 20% having their work published before they graduate. Twenty research centers and 13 makerspaces on campus support cross-disciplinary collaborative opportunities.

Research & Scholarship

Make Direct Connections with Faculty

W&M professors are not just teachers; they are mentors, career advisors and lifelong collaborators for their students.

  • # 6
    Public School for Undergraduate Teaching
    U.S. News & World Report (2025)
  • 13:1
    student-faculty ratio
  • 99 %
    of classes taught by faculty
  • 82 %
    of classes have fewer than 40 students

Top-Ranked Student Experiences

Home to athletes, artists, activists, hikers, singers, researchers and adventurers, W&M students know how to have fun in and outside of the classroom. 

Two graduates in full regalia at Commencement including former president of the student assembly, Meghana Boojala and

Diversity & Inclusion

One of W&M’s core values is belonging. For five consecutive years, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has chosen W&M to receive the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. William & Mary was also ranked #12 for race and class interaction by Princeton Review (2024).

Diversity at W&M

Explore W&M's Student Life

Student life at William & Mary is as varied and engaging as the remarkable students who come here. There’s something for everyone and lots of room to explore.

  • Clubs & Organizations

    More than 475 student clubs and organizations, over 40 club sports and over 500 intramural teams encourage connection and exploration.

  • Health & Wellness

    50+ fitness classes and wellness programs offered each week underscore the university’s commitment to flourishing mind, body and spirit alike.

  • Community Service

    Ranked top 10 for students looking to make an impact by Princeton Review (2024); 70% of students participate with 60+ community service groups on campus.

  • Housing & Dining

    58% of undergraduates live on campus in residence halls and living learning communities as well as fraternity and sorority housing.

Six students walk up a sand dune with blue skies above

Best School for Study Abroad

W&M is ranked #1 in study abroad participation among public universities and approximately half of undergrads receive credit for global experiences. With over 750 international students, a multitude of cultural perspectives and research opportunities abound.

W&M's Global Reach

Division I Athletics

In addition to winning conference championships and numerous individual and team honors, our student-athletes also demonstrate tremendous success in the classroom and in the community.

Top 20 public school for alumni networks with 116,000+ alumni worldwide

Our graduates include former U.S. presidents, executives, and innovators at Hulu, Netflix, and Apple, Super Bowl and World Cup-winning head coaches, Emmy award-winning actors, leaders of the FBI and CIA, NASA’s chief scientists, and groundbreaking producers in gaming.

Notable Alumni

Costs, Aid & Scholarships

A W&M education provides generous support for life-changing experiences and the highest quality teaching, learning and research opportunities for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

W&M by the Numbers

 William & Mary is ranked in the top 20 best value public colleges in the nation (The Princeton Review 2024).

Where could W&M take you?

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