Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Williams' 10% acceptance rate, most applicants—even highly qualified ones—should consider it a reach school. The alternatives below provide similar outcomes with more accessible admission or different geographic options.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For comparable outcomes with better admission odds, consider Union College in New York (43.8% acceptance, $88,604 median earnings) located just 38 miles away. College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts admits 21.1% of applicants while producing graduates earning $90,543. Trinity College in Connecticut offers 33.5% acceptance with graduates earning $90,779. These institutions provide similar liberal arts education with significantly more realistic admission prospects.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
Students preferring to stay in Massachusetts should consider College of the Holy Cross (21.1% acceptance, $90,543 earnings) 78 miles away, or Amherst College (9.8% acceptance, $77,644 earnings) 42 miles away. For nearby options outside Massachusetts, Union College in New York offers nearly identical earnings at $88,604 with 43.8% acceptance rates, located just 38 miles from Williams.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
Similar quality tier in Northeast (#190 ranked)