William & Mary's published cost of attendance is $41,118 per year for Virginia residents, including $25,040 in in-state tuition, $14,555 for room and board, and $1,080 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition of $49,412.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $43,035 |
| Tuition and Fees | $51,038 |
| Room and Board | $16,182 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,050 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$23,939 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,096 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,106 |
| $30–48k | $881 |
| $48–75k | $5,916 |
| $75–110k | $16,803 |
| $110k+ | $34,370 |
William & Mary's published cost of attendance is $41,118 per year for Virginia residents, including $25,040 in in-state tuition, $14,555 for room and board, and $1,080 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition of $49,412. However, the average student pays $22,529 after financial aid, representing savings of $18,589 from the sticker price.
This average net price of $22,529 is $8,436 higher than the peer median of $14,093, reflecting William & Mary's position as a selective public institution with pricing above typical public universities. The gap between published costs and actual net prices demonstrates substantial financial aid distribution, though families should expect higher costs than at most public institutions. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $6,616 for the lowest-income students to $35,264 for highest-income families.
William & Mary's financial aid approach reflects its position as a selective public institution serving primarily middle and upper-middle-class students. With only 12.1% Pell-eligible enrollment, most students come from families with moderate to higher incomes, yet the institution still provides substantial aid averaging $18,589 in savings from published costs.
The progressive net price structure ensures lower-income students who are admitted receive significant financial support, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,616 annually. This aid concentration enables access for qualified lower-income students while maintaining revenue from higher-income families.
The financial aid profile supports the institution's Selective Achievers quadrant designation, providing pathways for diverse students despite limited overall access. Students from middle-income families should expect moderate aid, while those from lower-income backgrounds can anticipate substantial support if admitted.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
William & Mary graduates carry moderate debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median debt of $18,500 falls $2,605 below the peer median of $21,105, indicating controlled borrowing despite higher net prices.
Debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,967 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in family financial circumstances and aid packaging. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 means typical graduates dedicate 25% of first-year earnings to debt service, which falls within manageable ranges for long-term repayment.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $29,096 with monthly payments of $383, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of moderate student debt with strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
William & Mary represents a strong educational investment despite higher costs than typical public institutions. Graduates earn $2,151 beyond expectations, placing the institution above average for earnings uplift at the 64.4th percentile nationally.
With median earnings of $73,490 versus a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $23,374 more annually than comparable institution alumni. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 indicates sustainable borrowing levels relative to income potential.
William & Mary ranks at the 90.8th percentile for return on investment, reflecting top-tier performance in translating educational costs into long-term earnings. Low-income graduates earn $76,500, ranking among the top 5% nationally, demonstrating exceptional mobility outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds who are admitted.
