The College of William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1693 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Often called a "Public Ivy," William & Mary offers the academic rigor of an elite private university at public school tuition rates. The college is known for its strong undergraduate research programs and exceptional faculty engagement across the liberal arts and sciences.
Mascot: Tribe
Notable Alumni
Thomas Jefferson (3rd U.S. President)•Jon Stewart (comedian, The Daily Show host)•Glenn Close (award-winning actress)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
William & Mary students are studious and earnest — the Tribe genuinely lives by 'who comes here belongs here.' Greek life sits at about 30% and provides social structure without dominating campus. The academic pressure is real (this is essentially a public Ivy), but the culture is collaborative, not cutthroat. Historic traditions like the Yule Log ceremony and active Homecoming give W&M a charming institutional identity few state schools can match.
America's second-oldest college features the iconic Sir Christopher Wren Building alongside Georgian architecture set among towering live oaks and magnolias in Colonial Williamsburg. The Sunken Garden, Crim Dell pond, and seamless connection to a restored 18th-century town create exceptional historic beauty.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Very low on-campus crime rates, with incidents as low as 4.16 per 1,000 students. The RAVE Guardian app and campus police provide strong safety infrastructure.
Williamsburg is a small, historic city with low violent crime well below national averages and zero homicides in recent years.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays year-round; group tours Tue/Wed/Thu at 10:30 AM or 3:00 PM
Duration: 105 minutes total (30-min info session + 75-min student-led tour)
Info sessions led by Dean's staff. Griffin Shadow program lets you spend a full day with a current student. Class visits and optional interviews also available.
Book a TourCampus is open for self-guided visits. The historic campus connects directly to Colonial Williamsburg, making it easy to explore both. Virtual tour also available online.
Tour ResourcesFall (September-November) is magical -- the historic campus glows with foliage and Colonial Williamsburg hosts seasonal events. Spring (March-April) features the blooming Tyler Family Garden. Avoid the humid July-August heat and winter break when campus empties.
Admission visitors: use the Admission Parking Lot off Grigsby Drive (free with confirmation email pass). Overflow at Colonial Williamsburg P6 lot (410 Francis St). Pay-by-phone Passport app available at $2.50/hour. Amtrak serves Williamsburg station (convenient from DC, NYC, Philly). WATA Route 8 bus runs through campus. Nearest airports: Newport News (PHF, 25 min) or Norfolk (ORF, 55 min).
Location
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