Williams College
Williams
Williamstown, Massachusetts 01267
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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
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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
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 15
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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.
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
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
94.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$11,667
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)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
97%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Compact, highly walkable campus in scenic mountain village setting
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Parking information›
Lot directly behind Weston Hall
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
Days out near Williamstown
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Pittsfield, from real bookable tour times.
See all days out →