William & Mary delivers top-tier return on investment, ranking at the 90.8th percentile nationally. Graduates earn $2,151 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing the institution above average at the 64.4th percentile for earnings uplift. Median earnings of $73,490 rank at the 89th percentile nationally, while median debt of $18,500 falls $2,605 below the peer median of $21,105. This combination produces a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, indicating graduates dedicate 25% of first-year earnings to debt service—a manageable level supporting long-term financial stability. Compared to peer institutions with median earnings of $50,116, William & Mary graduates earn $23,374 more annually, demonstrating substantial premium for the educational investment. The return profile reflects William & Mary's ability to translate selective admission and strong academic programs into superior post-graduation economic outcomes.
William & Mary graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $62,959 six years after enrollment to $67,721 at eight years and $73,490 at ten years, representing 16.7% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 910 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $2,151 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing William & Mary above average for earnings uplift at the 64.4th percentile. Low-income graduates earn $76,500, ranking among the top 5% nationally despite the institution's limited enrollment of Pell-eligible students. Earnings span from $48,980 at the 25th percentile to $112,948 at the 75th percentile, with the 2.3:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 23.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry across diverse fields.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at William & Mary show significant variation across programs and career paths. The gap between the 25th percentile ($48,980) and 75th percentile ($112,948) represents substantial range in post-graduation outcomes. Computer Science graduates earn the highest median of $104,938, followed by Algebra and Number Theory at $91,943, while Biology graduates earn $47,139. Business Administration produces the largest cohort with 193 graduates earning $85,678, demonstrating both scale and strong outcomes. Earnings growth accelerates modestly from early to mid-career, with the trajectory showing steady advancement rather than dramatic increases. The ten-year cohort of 910 graduates provides robust data across William & Mary's diverse academic portfolio.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting program diversity and career choice flexibility. The distribution ranges from $48,980 at the 25th percentile to $112,948 at the 75th percentile, with a 2.3:1 ratio indicating substantial mobility potential. Low-income graduates earn $76,500, ranking among the top 5% nationally, demonstrating exceptional outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds despite limited enrollment. This earnings spread supports diverse career pathways while ensuring strong baseline outcomes across programs.
Approximately 23.7% of William & Mary graduates continue to graduate or professional study, based on high-confidence program mix analysis. This substantial graduate school continuation rate reflects the institution's strong preparation for advanced study across liberal arts and professional fields. The rate indicates balanced outcomes between immediate workforce entry and continued education pathways.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Computer Science leads earnings outcomes with $104,938 median for 73 graduates, while Algebra and Number Theory produces $91,943 for 80 students. Business Administration serves the largest cohort with 193 graduates earning $85,678, demonstrating both scale and strong outcomes. Analytical Chemistry achieves the #1 national ranking with $72,660 earnings for 56 graduates. Applied Economics produces $72,419 for 142 students, while International Relations generates $66,955 for 88 graduates. These top programs drive William & Mary's overall return performance, combining strong earnings with national recognition. The diversity of high-performing programs—from STEM to business to liberal arts—reflects the institution's comprehensive approach to career preparation across academic disciplines. Program earnings substantially exceed typical outcomes in their respective fields, indicating William & Mary's competitive positioning in graduate placement and career development.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting program diversity and career choice flexibility. The distribution ranges from $48,980 at the 25th percentile to $112,948 at the 75th percentile, with a 2.3:1 ratio indicating substantial mobility potential. Low-income graduates earn $76,500, ranking among the top 5% nationally, demonstrating exceptional outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds despite limited enrollment. This earnings spread supports diverse career pathways while ensuring strong baseline outcomes across programs.
