How this school serves students from different economic backgrounds, including Pell students, first-generation pathways, and long-term mobility outcomes.
William & Mary ranks at the 59.9th percentile for access, reflecting above average but limited enrollment of lower-income students. Just 12.1% of students receive Pell grants, well below typical public university levels, while 13.2% are first-generation college students. The 9.4% transfer share indicates limited pathways for non-traditional students. Despite a 32.7% admission rate placing it in the selective category, William & Mary's student composition more closely resembles that of private institutions than typical public universities. SAT scores at the 99th percentile nationally demonstrate academic selectivity that may contribute to limited access for students from lower-income backgrounds.
The combination of limited access with strong mobility outcomes characterizes William & Mary's Selective Achievers profile. While fewer low-income students enroll compared to typical public institutions, those who attend achieve exceptional economic advancement. Earnings distribution from $48,980 to $112,948 demonstrates substantial upward mobility potential across diverse programs. The institution's ability to serve students from different economic backgrounds while maintaining strong outcomes for all groups indicates effective support systems and career preparation programs.
William & Mary achieves well above average mobility outcomes, ranking at the 84.6th percentile nationally. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university combines limited enrollment of low-income students with exceptional outcomes for those who are admitted. Low-income graduates earn $76,500, ranking among the top 5% nationally and demonstrating remarkable economic advancement potential. Pell-eligible students graduate at 89.7% compared to the overall 91.0% rate, with just a 1.3 percentage point gap indicating strong institutional support. Graduates earn $2,151 beyond expectations, contributing to mobility outcomes despite the limited 12.1% first-generation share. This mobility profile reflects William & Mary's ability to generate substantial economic advancement for lower-income students who gain admission.
Pell-eligible students graduate at 89.7% compared to the overall completion rate of 91.0%, representing a minimal 1.3 percentage point gap. This small difference indicates strong institutional support for lower-income students who are admitted, with retention and completion services effectively serving students from diverse economic backgrounds despite their limited representation on campus.
