Williams College

Williams College admits approximately 10.0% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 10 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Williams among the most selective liberal arts colleges in the United States, falling within the Most Selective tier for institutions with acceptance rates below 10%.

The peer median admission rate of 70.6% highlights the stark difference between Williams' selectivity and typical four-year institutions. Even among elite private liberal arts colleges, Williams' acceptance rate represents significant selectivity that creates uncertainty even for exceptionally qualified applicants.

This level of selectivity means that many students with outstanding academic credentials, including those with perfect test scores and stellar academic records, face meaningful admission uncertainty. The combination of limited enrollment capacity and high application volume requires students to approach Williams as a reach school regardless of their qualifications.

Students should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes. The sections below provide guidance on academic preparation and alternative schools that deliver similar post-graduation outcomes with more accessible admission processes.

Williams College's published cost of attendance reaches $81,164 per year, consisting of $64,860 in tuition, $16,300 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with net price averaging $14,852 across all income levels.

This represents $66,312 in financial aid savings compared to the sticker price, indicating substantial institutional aid distribution. The net price falls $12,291 below the peer median of $27,143, positioning Williams favorably among similar institutions for affordability after aid.

Williams demonstrates strong affordability performance, ranking at the 83rd percentile nationally with well above average tier designation. The combination of high sticker price and substantial aid creates a progressive pricing structure where net costs vary dramatically by family income.

Net prices range from negative costs for lowest-income families to $48,374 for highest-income families, representing a $50,795 spread across income tiers. This pricing model concentrates aid toward families with greatest financial need while maintaining accessibility across diverse economic backgrounds.

Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating Williams' affordability for their family's specific financial situation.

Williams College graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early career trajectory. Median earnings rise from $71,754 six years after enrollment to $79,082 at eight years and $88,665 at ten years, representing 23.6% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on cohorts of 187 graduates at six years, 169 at eight years, and 170 at ten years, providing solid confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $88,665 at the ten-year mark, placing Williams at the 96th percentile nationally for absolute earnings performance.

However, when adjusted for student demographics and program mix, graduates earn $2,611 below expectations, ranking around the national average at the 44.7th percentile on this measure. Low-income graduates earn $117,600, ranking at the top 5% nationally and indicating exceptionally strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Earnings span from $62,574 at the 25th percentile to $145,323 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 21.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry.

Williams College offers 12 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Applied Economics ranks #14 nationally and #3 in Massachusetts, producing 108 graduates with median earnings of $115,082 and an exceptional value score of 93.6.

American Government and Politics ranks #11 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts, graduating 70 students with median earnings of $79,779 and a value score of 96.6. Computer Science ranks #65 nationally and #9 in Massachusetts, with 64 graduates earning $119,517 and a value score of 65.0.

Psychology ranks #19 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts, graduating 54 students with median earnings of $57,158 and a value score of 94.8. Art History stands out with a #2 national ranking and #1 in Massachusetts, graduating 31 students with median earnings of $72,010 and an outstanding value score of 99.6.

English Literature ranks #14 nationally and #2 in Massachusetts, producing 47 graduates with median earnings of $56,571 and a value score of 95.5.