Students at William & Mary achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the university among the very best public institutions nationwide, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income students who gain admission.
The combination of rigorous academics, prestigious alumni networks, and strategic location creates earnings advantages that consistently exceed expectations across career fields.
William & Mary ranks among the most elite public universities in the country, delivering exceptional long-term value through a combination of academic prestige and strong financial outcomes. Located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, this medium-sized public institution operates more like a highly selective liberal arts college, with rigorous academics and an intimate campus environment that fosters close faculty-student relationships and strong alumni connections.
Graduates earn a median of $73,490 ten years after enrollment, placing William & Mary in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes among public universities. The institution also delivers earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $2,151 more than similar students at comparable institutions. With a 91% six-year graduation rate and exceptional loan repayment performance, William & Mary consistently converts academic selectivity into measurable career success.
What makes William & Mary distinctive is its ability to combine the intimate feel of a liberal arts college with the research opportunities and affordability of a public university. While access is limited due to high selectivity, students who gain admission benefit from one of the strongest return-on-investment profiles in public higher education, supported by extensive alumni networks in government, business, and professional fields.
William & Mary's academic programs consistently deliver strong career outcomes across diverse fields, with particular strength in business, government, and technology. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 193 students annually with median earnings of $65,610, reflecting the university's strong connections to corporate recruiting and alumni networks in finance and consulting. Computer Science, though smaller with 73 graduates, produces the highest individual earnings at $71,202, benefiting from proximity to the Washington D.C. technology corridor and strong industry partnerships.
American Government and Politics represents William & Mary's distinctive strength in public service preparation, graduating 182 students annually with early-career earnings of $44,117 that often accelerate significantly as graduates advance in government, law, and policy careers. The program's large scale reflects the university's historical mission and strategic location near the nation's capital, creating unique opportunities for internships and career placement in federal agencies and political organizations.
Even programs with modest early earnings show strong long-term potential. Biology graduates, with initial median earnings of $21,356, typically use their William & Mary foundation for medical school, graduate study, or research careers that yield substantial returns over time. The university's rigorous academic environment and prestigious reputation create value across all majors, with alumni networks and career services supporting students regardless of their chosen field of study.
William & Mary delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it among the top public universities nationwide. Graduates earn a median of $73,490 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally, with many achieving even stronger results as their careers progress. The university also provides meaningful earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning approximately $2,151 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting the premium value of a William & Mary education.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly but trend toward strong performance across fields. Business Administration stands out as both the highest aggregate return major and one of the largest programs, with 193 graduates earning a median of $65,610 ten years out. Computer Science, though smaller with 73 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $71,202 median income. American Government and Politics, the largest program with 182 graduates, produces median earnings of $44,117, reflecting career paths in public service and law that often show delayed but substantial long-term growth. Even Biology, typically a pre-professional stepping stone, shows modest early earnings of $21,356 that often improve significantly as graduates complete advanced degrees.
The university's location in Virginia provides access to strong job markets in Washington D.C., Richmond, and Norfolk, while the prestigious William & Mary brand opens doors nationally. Alumni networks are particularly strong in government, law, business, and finance, contributing to the institution's ability to consistently deliver earnings that exceed expectations for graduates across multiple career paths.
William & Mary offers strong affordability for Virginia residents, particularly those from low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $6,616 annually, well below the national average and making this elite education accessible to Pell-eligible families. Middle-income students face net costs around $12,603 per year, still reasonable for a university of this caliber, while higher-income families pay approximately $35,264 annually, reflecting the full cost of attendance minus merit aid.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes William & Mary provides. Typical graduates leave with about $18,500 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's strong post-graduation earning power. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $29,096, higher than many public universities but reasonable given the institution's premium positioning and outcomes. The combination of strong need-based aid for lower-income students and predictable pricing helps families plan effectively for the full cost of a William & Mary education.
What makes William & Mary particularly sustainable financially is the exceptional loan repayment performance of its graduates. With a 0% federal loan default rate and 91% of borrowers successfully repaying their loans, the university demonstrates that its graduates can comfortably service their educational debt. This strong repayment track record reflects both the high earnings potential and the financial literacy that William & Mary students develop during their time on campus.
William & Mary Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
