Is William and Mary a Good School? All You Need to Know Before Applying

The College of William & Mary, founded in 1693, is the second-oldest college in the U.S. Known for its rigorous academics, historic campus, and leadership in higher education, it consistently ranks among the top public institutions. For 2024, the U.S. News & World Report ranks William & Mary #23 among public schools.

But what makes it stand out from other top-tier schools? Let’s take a closer look at the question many prospective students like you ask: Is William and Mary a good school?

• • What Makes William and Mary a Good School
  • Is William and Mary Ivy League?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Takeaways

What Makes William and Mary a Good School

William & Mary is considered a good school. It offers high-quality education and promotes strong faculty-student relationships through small class sizes with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

William and Mary’s reputation as a good school is backed by its consistently high rankings. U.S. News & World Report places it at #53 among national universities and #23 among public colleges. Forbes also ranks it highly, coming in at #17 for public colleges and #55 overall. These rankings reflect how well-regarded the school is nationally.

Here are the top reasons why William and Mary is considered a good school:

Academic programs

At William & Mary, you’ll get a solid liberal arts education along with top programs in business, law, and public policy. The university is split into several schools to cover these areas.:

• Arts & Sciences. This school provides you with a diverse liberal arts education, offering courses across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to give a broad academic foundation.
• Raymond A. Mason School of Business. Focused on leadership and innovation, the business school offers undergraduate and MBA programs designed to prepare you for global business challenges.
• William & Mary School of Education. Known for its comprehensive teacher preparation programs, the school equips future educators and administrators with essential teaching and leadership skills.
• William & Mary Law School. As the oldest law school in the U.S., it offers a rigorous legal education with an emphasis on public service and shaping future leaders in law.
• School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Specializing in marine science, this school leads in research and education related to environmental sustainability and marine ecosystems.

Another reason why William and Mary is considered a good school is its strong liberal arts departments. These programs prepare you for real-world challenges while widening your understanding of the human experience. Here’s an overview of some of the key programs within the liberal arts:

• English. This program explores various literary works, improves critical analysis, and enhances writing skills across multiple genres.
• History. You’ll delve into global, national, and local histories, analyzing past events to understand their impact on the present.
• Philosophy. This program encourages you to examine fundamental questions about ethics, knowledge, and human existence through critical thinking.
• Psychology. This program studies human behavior, emotions, and cognition, emphasizing research and real-world applications.
• Sociology. You’ll investigate social structures and behaviors, exploring issues like inequality, culture, and social change.
• Anthropology. The program focuses on the study of human cultures and societies, both ancient and modern, through biological and archaeological perspectives.
• Economics. You’ll learn to analyze economic theories, policies, and decision-making processes that affect individuals, governments, and businesses.
• Government. This program explores political systems, public policies, and international relations, preparing you for public service or law careers.
• Religious Studies. You’ll examine religious traditions and beliefs from around the world, promoting a deeper understanding of different faiths.
• Theater, Speech, and Dance. The program combines performance, theory, and production, allowing you to express creativity through acting, speech, and choreography.

Close-knit community and vibrant student life

The student experience at William and Mary is one reason it’s a good school. With 6,000 undergraduate students, the campus is small enough to promote personal relationships between students and faculty. The university offers more than 475 clubs and organizations, ranging from academic societies to recreational sports. Notable examples include:

• Student Assembly. The Student Assembly serves as the official voice of the student body. They organize campus-wide initiatives and represent student interests.
• International Relations Club. This club hosts conferences and debates on global issues. They help promote discussions about international politics and current events.
• Branch Out. Branch Out provides alternative break service trips across the country, giving you opportunities to engage in meaningful community service projects.
• Outdoor Club. The Outdoor Club organizes outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and camping trips. The club encourages you to explore nature.
• Greek Life. Fraternities and sororities at William & Mary play a key role in leadership, philanthropy, and campus events, with 30 active chapters offering opportunities to be involved.
• Performing Arts Groups. William & Mary’s performing arts groups, including the theater, dance, and a cappella ensembles, showcases student talent by holding performances throughout the year.

These opportunities allow you to develop leadership and communication skills while promoting lifelong friendships and balancing academics with social experiences.

Financial aid and accessible education

William & Mary offers competitive tuition rates as a public university, with in-state students paying approximately $23,810 for the 2023-2024 academic year and out-of-state students paying around $47,196. The university is committed to making education accessible through its robust financial aid offerings, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, loans, and work-study programs.

William and Mary is a good school if you’re looking for financial support, offering affordable tuition rates as a public university. About 41% of students receive some form of financial aid. The William & Mary Promise guarantees that in-state tuition will remain consistent for all four years.

William & Mary also offers the Federal Work-Study Program, so you can earn money for your education through part-time jobs on campus or in the local community. Plus, they provide need-based aid packages to help bridge the gap between what your family can afford and the total cost of attendance to make education more accessible to everyone.

If you’re a high-achieving student, the 1693 Scholars Program provides full scholarships to the most outstanding applicants, including room and board. For out-of-state students, while the tuition is higher, the university works to offer merit-based scholarships that help offset costs.

Programs like the James Monroe Scholars Program provide partial scholarships to students with exceptional academic achievement. This commitment to providing financial support reflects William & Mary’s goal of promoting a diverse and inclusive student body, regardless of economic background.

Campus and facilities

The William & Mary campus combines historical charm with modern convenience. This balance between tradition and modernity is another reason William and Mary is a good school. Whether you’re getting into research, studying with friends, or staying active, there’s something here for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the facilities on campus:

• Wren Building. The Wren Building is the oldest academic building still used in the U.S. Students walk its halls daily, connecting the past with the present. It’s a reminder of William & Mary’s deep historical significance.
• Integrated Science Center. This modern space is where students and faculty come together for cutting-edge research. It provides practical experience for science majors and research enthusiasts alike with its state-of-the-art labs and equipment.
• Earl Gregg Swem Library. Swem Library is more than just a quiet place to study. Its vast collection of books, research materials, and cozy collaborative spaces make it a favorite student hangout. Whether you’re doing a group project or working solo, this library has everything you need.
• Miller Hall. Home to the business school, Miller Hall combines sleek, modern design with practical learning spaces. It’s where future business leaders sharpen their skills in everything from accounting to entrepreneurship, with conference rooms for real-world learning.
• Campus Recreation Center. The Rec Center is all about student wellness. If you enjoy weightlifting, swimming, or playing basketball with friends, this place has many ways to keep fit and relax after a busy day of classes.

Community service and engagement

William & Mary is deeply committed to community service, with over 80% of students participating in meaningful projects during their time at the university. You can engage in alternative breaks focused on social justice through programs like Branch Out, while the Office of Community Engagement offers ongoing volunteer opportunities.

The university also strongly emphasizes sustainability and encourages you to participate in environmental projects on campus and beyond. This culture of service and the university’s dedication to civic responsibility are more reasons why William and Mary is considered a good school.

History and tradition

Founded in 1693, William & Mary is the second-oldest college in the U.S., after Harvard. Its long and storied history includes the education of four U.S. Presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler—all of whom left a significant mark on American history.

The William & Mary Law School, established in 1779, is the oldest law school in the United States. It was created under the vision of Thomas Jefferson, who appointed George Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as its first professor. Wythe emphasized public service and a deep understanding of the Constitution, which helped shape the foundation of American legal education.

In addition to its contributions to law, William & Mary played a crucial role in developing academic traditions like the honor code. The tradition dates back to 1779 when Thomas Jefferson introduced it during his time as Governor of Virginia. Over time, William & Mary’s honor system became a model for many other universities.

Notable alumni

William & Mary boasts an impressive alumni network, with graduates making significant contributions across various fields:

• Thomas Jefferson. The third U.S. President, he authored the Declaration of Independence and remains one of the most influential Founding Fathers. His legacy as a statesman and scholar still impact American political philosophy today.
• James Monroe. The fifth U.S. President, Monroe is best known for the Monroe Doctrine, a fundamental part of American foreign policy that shaped U.S. relations with Europe and the Western Hemisphere.
• John Tyler. The tenth U.S. President, Tyler, played a key role in annexing Texas and laid the groundwork for the eventual expansion of U.S. territory.
• Jon Stewart. A comedian and political commentator, Stewart gained national fame as the host of The Daily Show, where his wit and insightful critique of American politics earned him a loyal following.
• Stephanie Coleman Linnartz. As the current CEO of Under Armour, Linnartz has made a name for herself in the business world, leading one of the most recognized brands in sports apparel.

Is William and Mary Ivy League?

No, William & Mary is not part of the Ivy League, which consists of eight private universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. These schools are located in the northeastern U.S. and are known for their academic reputation, long history, and prestigious alumni networks.

While William & Mary is a public university based in Williamsburg, Virginia, it is often compared to Ivy League schools because of its academic rigor and historic legacy. Established in 1693, it’s the second-oldest college in the U.S. after Harvard. Despite being public, William and Mary is a good school that shares many traits with Ivy League schools, such as a solid liberal arts tradition and a commitment to research.

William & Mary’s prestige and academic excellence put it on par with Ivy League institutions, especially when it comes to faculty quality, alumni success, and small class sizes. Many students looking for an Ivy-like education at a public university often find William and Mary to be a good school and a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is William and Mary Conservative?

William & Mary is considered a politically diverse campus. While it leans moderate to liberal, there is a strong presence of both conservative and liberal student groups. The university promotes an open environment for civil discourse and encourages students with various political viewpoints to engage in discussions.

Where is William and Mary College?

William & Mary is in Williamsburg, Virginia, a historic town known for its colonial past. The campus is about 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., and 50 miles from Richmond, Virginia.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at William and Mary?

William & Mary has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, which allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors. This intimate learning environment promotes close student-faculty relationships and enhances the overall academic experience.

What are the most popular programs at William and Mary?

William & Mary is known for its business, law, public policy, and international relations programs. It also offers a highly regarded liberal arts education focusing on research and experiential learning.

What is the College of William and Mary’s ranking?

William & Mary is consistently ranked among the top public universities. According to U.S. News & World Report, it ranks #23 among public colleges and #53 overall for 2024. The school is also ranked #17 by Forbes among public colleges.

Takeaways

Here are the key highlights that make William and Mary a good school:

• William & Mary is the second-oldest college in the U.S., established in 1693, with a rich history and academic excellence.
• The university offers a top-tier liberal arts education alongside standout business, law, and public policy programs.
• With over 475 student organizations, William & Mary provides a vibrant, close-knit community for you to get involved.
• Financial aid is available for 41% of students. William & Mary makes education accessible through merit-based scholarships and need-based aid.
• Thinking of applying to William & Mary? With personalized strategies and expert tips, a college admissions consultant can help you stand out from the crowd. Let AdmissionSight bring you one step closer to success at one of the nation’s top public universities.