William & Mary campus
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William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public · 7,055 students

With over 475 student clubs and organizations, campus life is vibrant and diverse.

Acceptance rate

34.1%

SAT (mid 50%)

1400–1530

Avg net price

$19,096

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the William & Mary admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

William & Mary admitted 34.1% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1400–1530 on the SAT and 32–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what William & Mary actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Question, Innovate, Research, Create

To be a W&M student is to think critically and express yourself creatively, to question and to innovate.

Students choose from over 115 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, including the option to design their own major.

  • 115+ Majors, Minors & Pre-Professional ProgramsBusiness Analytics, Integrative Conservation, STEM, Design Your Own Major
  • R1 Research Institution85% of undergraduates involved in faculty-mentored research
  • Award-Winning Faculty Mentors99% of classes taught by faculty, personalized attention

Verified from wm.edu and wm.edu and wm.edu and wm.edu and wm.edu and wm.edu and wm.edu and wm.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.wm.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

  • Apologize.

    Up to 300 words

  • Graduating 1693 Scholars often leave things like books, trinkets, and art at the Murray House (our on-campus home base). What is something you'd leave behind at the Murray House?

    Up to 180 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.wm.edu.

Cost and aid

What will you actually pay?

The sticker price is about $43,035. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $19,096.

William & Mary offers a comprehensive financial aid program, distributing $60 million in grants and scholarships annually to make its top-ranked education affordable.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $73,490.

Verified from https://www.wm.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Academics

These are the most popular majors.

  • Business Administration, Management and Operations10% of degrees
  • Political Science and Government10% of degrees
  • Psychology, General9% of degrees
  • Biology, General7% of degrees
  • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness6% of degrees
  • Economics6% of degrees

Campus life

Here’s the feel of the place.

“From porch office hours and Chick-Fil-A runs to late nights in Swem and CW walks, students find community in every involvement.”

Alma Mater Productions hosts events like the spring concert, movie nights on the Sunken Garden, and the Bridgerton Ball.

Community-focusedResearch-intensiveGlobal

Quick answers

What do people ask about William & Mary?

Is William & Mary test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at William & Mary is optional.
How hard is it to get into William & Mary?
Very hard. William & Mary admits 34.1% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400 to 1530 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does William & Mary cost?
The list price is about $43,035. After aid, families pay $19,096 on average.
Is William & Mary worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $73,490 ten years after enrolling. 90% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

Launching soon

Ask Spike anything about William & Mary.

Spike answers from William & Mary’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.