Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given William & Mary's 32.7% acceptance rate and selective academic profile, most applicants face meaningful admission uncertainty. The alternatives below provide options with similar outcomes through different admission, geographic, or cost profiles.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar liberal arts outcomes with better admission odds, consider Hampden-Sydney College (50.1% acceptance) just 97 miles away, producing graduates earning $67,640. The Catholic University of America admits 83.8% of applicants while generating nearly identical earnings of $73,250, though at higher cost in Washington DC. Virginia Military Institute offers 81.7% acceptance with slightly higher earnings of $77,369 and lower net costs.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students wanting to stay in Virginia should consider Christopher Newport University, just 19 miles away with 88% acceptance and $60,509 median earnings. University of Richmond, 50 miles away, offers similar prestige and slightly higher earnings of $76,178 but with more competitive 23.3% admission rates. St. Mary's College of Maryland provides a similar liberal arts experience 65 miles away.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Other selective options include University of Richmond (23.3% acceptance, $76,178 earnings) for students seeking comparable prestige in Virginia. Occidental College in California offers similar 39.9% admission rates with $75,951 earnings for students open to geographic flexibility. These schools compete for similar applicant pools with William & Mary.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier (#232 ranked)
