Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Williamstown, Massachusetts |
| Online | williams.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Williams College, situated in the Berkshire Mountains of northwestern Massachusetts, occupies a rural 450-acre campus characterized by traditional New England architecture and expansive green spaces. Established in 1793, it is one of the oldest colleges in the United States and consistently ranks among the most selective liberal arts institutions in the nation. The college maintains a strong focus on undergraduate education through its Oxford-style tutorial system, with particular strengths in economics, mathematics, and art history. Students are required to live on campus all four years in residential houses that range from historic row houses to modern dormitories, fostering the college's close-knit academic community. As a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), Williams fields NCAA Division III teams and maintains a historic athletic rivalry with Amherst College, dating back to 1859.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Williams is rated within the top 4% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Williams College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#13 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in Massachusetts
#3 in Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts
#2 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1470/1560 |
| ACT | 33/35 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.94 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 10, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $320 |
| Room and Board | $16,300 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,700 |
| Total One Year Cost | $84,860 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 25% |
| Psychology | 10% |
| History | 9% |
| Foreign Languages | 8% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Williams are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=168342 IPEDS survey data for Williams College.
Current students may use the Williams College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025