Overview
Williams College is a private school established back in 1793. As of fall 2023, it has 2,097 undergrads, a rural campus spanning 450 acres, and follows a 4-1-4 academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, it holds the #1 spot among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Tuition and fees run at $68,560.
Admissions
Getting into Williams is competitive, with a 10% acceptance rate. Half of admitted students who submitted test scores had an SAT between 1470–1560 or an ACT between 33–35. That said, 25% scored above and 25% below these ranges. The application deadline is January 8.
Admissions officers weigh GPA heavily, along with class rank (if available) and recommendation letters—both deemed very important.
Admissions Snapshot
- Deadline: Jan. 8
- Application fee: $65
- Acceptance rate: 10%
Tuition & Financial Aid
At 68,560,Williams’tuitionishigherthanthenationalaverage(68,560,Williams’tuitionishigherthanthenationalaverage(51,147). This “sticker price” includes fees for services like libraries, gyms, and health centers.
But the real cost? 84,860∗∗—addinghousing,meals,books,andpersonalexpenses.Afteraid,theaveragenetpricedropsto∗∗84,860∗∗—addinghousing,meals,books,andpersonalexpenses.Afteraid,theaveragenetpricedropsto∗∗14,302 for students with financial need.
Academics
With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 72.6% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Top majors include:
- Econometrics & Quantitative Economics
- Psychology
- English
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- History
- Political Science
Freshmen stick around—the retention rate is a strong 95%.
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Top Majors for 2023 Grads
- Econometrics & Quantitative Economics (23%)
- Psychology (11%)
- English (11%)
- Biology (10%)
- Mathematics (10%)
Student Life
Fall 2023 undergrad enrollment: 2,097 (48.1% male, 51% female). Nearly all students (93%) live on campus or in college-affiliated housing; just 7% live off-campus. Sports-wise, Williams competes in NCAA Division III.
Campus
Student services include tutoring, daycare, health services, and insurance. Safety measures range from 24/7 patrols and emergency phones to lighted walkways and secure dorms. Students of legal age can drink on campus.