William & Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia, founded in 1693 as the second-oldest higher education institution in the United States. The university is ranked #51 among National Universities in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition.
W&M enrols around 9,000 students across six schools including the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, Marshall-Wythe School of Law and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. All programmes run in English medium with primary Fall admission in August and a smaller Spring cycle in January. The student-faculty ratio is 12:1 and roughly 36 Indian students study on campus.
- US News National Universities 2026 rank: #51
- Acceptance rate: 38%
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Non-resident undergraduate tuition and fees: USD 51,000 per year (INR 48.2 lakh) (estimated)
- Total enrolment: 9,000 students
- Application fee: USD 75 (INR 7,088)
Also Check: MBA universities in USA
W&M follows a test-optional policy for undergraduate applications and offers merit scholarships to international students, with need-based aid reserved for domestic candidates. Indian graduates access the 12-month F-1 student visa pathway, with a 24-month extension for STEM-designated programmes. Living costs in Williamsburg run lower than East Coast metros.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Undergraduate first-year applications for Fall 2027 close 1 January 2027 as per the William & Mary Office of Admission. Graduate deadlines vary by school, with the Mason MBA running multiple application rounds through Spring 2027. Spring 2027 admission is restricted to selected transfer and graduate programmes; verify programme-level dates on the official page.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and W&M Fees at William & Mary 2027
- William & Mary Admission 2027
- William & Mary Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- William & Mary Acceptance Rate 2027
- William & Mary Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- William & Mary Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- William & Mary Scholarships 2027
- William & Mary Rankings 2027
- William & Mary Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- William & Mary vs Peer Universities
- William & Mary FAQs
Popular Courses and W&M Fees at William & Mary 2027
William & Mary charges non-resident tuition to international students across its undergraduate and graduate schools. Bachelor’s degrees run four years and master’s programmes range from one to two years. Estimated totals below reflect non-resident tuition and fees; confirm the exact per-programme figure on the official fee schedule before applying. Applicants planning an MBA should also review the study MBA in the USA guide.
Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes at William & Mary 2027
Master’s programmes at W&M cluster in business, public policy, law, education and computer science. Costs below are per-programme totals across the full duration.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Full-time, 21 months) | USD 132,000 (estimated) | 124.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); GMAT/GRE |
| MS Business Analytics (1 year) | USD 55,000 (estimated) | 51.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Finance (1 year) | USD 55,000 (estimated) | 51.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Accounting (1 year) | USD 40,000 (estimated) | 37.8 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Marketing (1 year) | USD 55,000 (estimated) | 51.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Public Policy (2 years) | USD 64,000 (estimated) | 60.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MEd Curriculum & Instruction (2 years) | USD 44,000 (estimated) | 41.6 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MA English (2 years) | USD 44,000 (estimated) | 41.6 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science (2 years) | USD 64,000 (estimated) | 60.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| JD Law (3 years) | USD 141,000 (estimated) | 133.2 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10; LSAT required |
Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes at William & Mary 2027
Undergraduate degrees run four years with uniform out-of-state tuition. The estimated four-year cost of USD 204,000 covers tuition and mandatory fees at non-resident rates.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science (4 years) | USD 204,000 (estimated) | 192.8 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
| BBA Business Administration (4 years) | USD 204,000 (estimated) | 192.8 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
| BS Biology (4 years) | USD 204,000 (estimated) | 192.8 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
| BA Government (4 years) | USD 204,000 (estimated) | 192.8 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
| BA International Relations (4 years) | USD 204,000 (estimated) | 192.8 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 85% or above (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at W&M cluster in Mason School business specialisations, computer science and marine science research pathways through the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Read More: William & Mary Fees and Programmes Guide
William & Mary Admission 2027
W&M runs a primary Fall admission cycle for both undergraduate and graduate schools, with a smaller Spring window for select programmes. Indian applicants apply via the Common Application for undergraduate and school-specific portals for graduate programmes.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| UG Regular Decision deadline (Fall 2027) | 1 January 2027 | Applies to all international first-year applicants |
| UG Early Decision deadline (Fall 2027) | Verify at William & Mary Office of Admission | Binding commitment; decision by mid-December |
| Graduate programme deadlines | Varies by school; verify at official page | Mason MBA and MS use multi-round review |
| WES/ECE credential evaluation lead time | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | Required for all foreign transcripts |
| Fall term start | Late August 2027 (based on prior cycle) | International orientation the week prior |
Planning note: Indian applicants should book the F-1 visa interview at the nearest US consulate within two weeks of receiving the I-20; Chennai and Mumbai posts see the longest queues in June and July.
Read More: William & Mary Admissions Guide for Indian Students
William & Mary Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants meet the same academic bar as US applicants, with credential evaluation and English test scores as additional requirements.
Postgraduate requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 for humanities and public policy; 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 for business, finance and computer science (recommended)
- English test: TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.0 minimum (recommended for Mason School and Law); verify per-programme minima on the official page
- WES or ECE credential evaluation of all Indian transcripts
- GMAT or GRE for MBA and finance masters; LSAT for JD
Undergraduate requirements:
- Class 12 with 85% or above from CBSE, ISC or state board (recommended)
- English proficiency via TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.0; test-optional applies to SAT and ACT but not to English exams for non-native speakers
- Two teacher recommendations plus counsellor evaluation via Common App
SAT range for admitted W&M students runs 1300 to 1510 and the ACT range runs 30 to 34. English test minimums remain mandatory for Indian applicants regardless of test-optional policy on SAT.
Key insight: W&M does not require IELTS or TOEFL for Indian applicants who complete four full years of instruction in English at CBSE, ICSE or IB schools; upload transcripts explicitly stating English medium to trigger the waiver.
William & Mary Acceptance Rate 2027
W&M reported a headline acceptance rate of 38% in its most recent published admission cycle. The rate has held in the 35% to 42% band across the last five cycles.
| Cycle | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 38% | Stable |
| Fall 2025 | 37% (estimated) | Marginally tighter |
| Fall 2024 | 40% (estimated) | Slight easing |
The published rate covers first-year undergraduate admission and does not disaggregate international applicants. Graduate acceptance varies by school, with Mason School MBA rounds and the JD programme reporting tighter selectivity.
Reality check: Indian applicants targeting W&M should aim for SAT 1450 or ACT 33 with 90% in Class 12 to hit the median admitted profile; the test-optional route works best when GPA and extracurriculars are exceptional.
Read More: Study in USA guide for Indian students
William & Mary Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian undergraduate at W&M runs approximately USD 71,400 (INR 67.5 lakh) covering non-resident tuition, fees and living expenses. Postgraduate totals depend on the school and programme length.
W&M Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Non-resident tuition and fees drive the largest cost bucket. Figures below are estimated per-year totals; confirm the exact rate on the official financial aid page.
| Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (non-resident) | USD 51,000 (estimated) | 48.2 lakh (estimated) |
| Mason School MBA | USD 66,000 (estimated) | 62.4 lakh (estimated) |
| MS Business Analytics / Finance | USD 55,000 (estimated) | 51.9 lakh (estimated) |
| MA / MEd programmes | USD 22,000 (estimated) | 20.8 lakh (estimated) |
| JD (Marshall-Wythe Law) | USD 47,000 (estimated) | 44.4 lakh (estimated) |
Monthly Cost of Living in Williamsburg for Indian Students
Williamsburg is a small college town with living costs materially below Washington DC, Boston or New York. On-campus housing suits first-year students; upper-year students often move to shared apartments off campus.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | USD 900 (estimated) | INR 85,050 |
| Food and groceries | USD 400 (estimated) | INR 37,800 |
| Transportation | USD 100 (estimated) | INR 9,450 |
| Books and supplies | USD 100 (estimated) | INR 9,450 |
| Personal expenses | USD 200 (estimated) | INR 18,900 |
| Total monthly | USD 1,700 (estimated) | INR 1.6 lakh |
| Total annual | USD 20,400 (estimated) | 19.3 lakh |
[Source: EducationUSA cost-of-attendance guidance for small-town Virginia campuses]
Insider note: Off-campus shared rentals in the Merrimac Trail and Richmond Road corridors run USD 500 to 700 per bedroom, materially lower than the campus average; secure a lease by April for August move-in.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
William & Mary Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The William & Mary campus spans 1,200 acres in Williamsburg, adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg historic district, roughly 240 kilometres south of Washington DC.
- Location and transport: Norfolk International Airport sits 75 kilometres east; Amtrak links the town to New York and Boston via Newport News.
- Housing: On-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year students; upper-year and graduate students blend campus residences with off-campus rentals costing USD 500 to 900 per bedroom.
- Academic facilities: Earl Gregg Swem Library, the Sadler Center student union and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science research station serve W&M students.
- Indian community: Around 36 Indian students on campus run the Indian Cultural Association hosting Diwali and Holi events; the Reves Center for International Studies anchors visa advising.
What Indian students say: Small class sizes and named-professor access are the standout draws; the trade-off is a quiet town where a car is close to essential for weekend travel.
William & Mary Scholarships 2027
W&M offers merit-based scholarships to international students; need-based aid is reserved for US applicants. International awards are competitive and largely awarded at the school level.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1693 Scholars Program | UG Merit (full) | Full tuition plus stipend | Top-tier UG applicants; nomination based | Aligns with Early Decision |
| Monroe Scholars Program | UG Merit | Research stipend up to USD 3,000 (INR 2.8 lakh) | Admitted UG students | Automatic with UG admission |
| Murray 1693 Scholarship (MBA) | PG Merit | Verify at Mason School page | MBA admits with distinguished profile | Aligns with MBA rounds |
| Mason School Excellence Scholarship | PG Merit | Verify at Mason School page | MS Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing admits | Automatic with programme admission |
| Reves Center Global Ambassador | Programme Support | Verify at Reves Center page | Enrolled international students | Rolling |
Planning note: International merit awards at W&M rarely cover full cost of attendance; Indian applicants should stack the school award with education loans from Prodigy Finance, HDFC Credila or SBI Global Ed-Vantage.
Read More: MS universities in USA
William & Mary Rankings 2027
W&M sits inside the top 60 of US national universities and inside the top 25 US public universities per US News. As per US News Best Colleges 2026, William & Mary is ranked #21 among US public universities.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: #1001-1200 | 2026: #1001-1200 | 2025: #1001-1200 |
| Times Higher Education World | 2026: #801-1000 | 2025: #601-800 | 2024: #601-800 |
| US News Best Global Universities | 2025-2026: #1207 | Prior edition not tracked | Prior edition not tracked |
| US News National Universities | 2026: #51 | Prior edition not tracked | Prior edition not tracked |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad (USA) | #189 of 357 | NA | NA |
As per QS World University Rankings 2027, W&M is ranked in the #251 band for Business and the #751 band for Computer Science. As per Times Higher Education subject rankings 2026, W&M law is placed at #251-300. ARWU placed W&M oceanography (via the Virginia Institute of Marine Science) at #51-75 in 2024.
[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Key insight: The US News National ranking of #51 matters more for Indian employers than the QS band because US-domiciled recruiters and STEM OPT sponsors read US News first.
Read More: Universities in USA rankings
William & Mary Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Career outcomes at W&M are driven by the Mason School of Business, Marshall-Wythe Law and computer science pipelines. The Cohen Career Center supports the entire campus, with school-specific advising for MBA and JD candidates.
- Mason MBA employment (within 3 months): 88% (estimated based on Mason 2024 employment report)
- Mason MBA median starting salary: USD 115,000 (INR 108.7 lakh) plus signing bonus
- UG median starting salary (all majors): USD 62,000 (INR 58.6 lakh)
- Recruiter sectors: Management consulting, investment banking, technology, federal government, marine science and legal services
- Post-study work visa: 12-month OPT for non-STEM; 36 months total for STEM programmes with the 24-month extension
Insider note: W&M’s DC-Boston Amtrak corridor placement helps Indian graduates hit Big Four consulting, federal fellowships and financial services in-region; STEM CS graduates typically move to the Research Triangle or Northern Virginia tech hubs.
William & Mary vs Peer Universities
W&M competes with mid-selective public flagships and mid-tier private research universities on the US East Coast. The peer set below anchors on QS World 2027 and Collegedunia Study Abroad rankings for USA.
| University | QS World 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad USA 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | #1001-1200 | #189 | USD 55,000 / 51.9 lakh (estimated) | Public ivy; 1693-founded; small-class Mason MBA |
| University of Virginia | #241 | Verify at CD USA list | USD 68,000 / 64.3 lakh (estimated) | Larger public flagship; Darden MBA |
| UNC Chapel Hill | #94 | Verify at CD USA list | USD 65,000 / 61.4 lakh (estimated) | Kenan-Flagler business; larger research base |
| Boston College | #438 | Verify at CD USA list | USD 62,000 / 58.6 lakh (estimated) | Private Jesuit; strong finance placements |
| Georgetown University | #196 | Verify at CD USA list | USD 76,000 / 71.8 lakh (estimated) | DC location; McDonough MBA and policy focus |
W&M’s differentiator is the small-class 12:1 ratio and named-professor access that larger flagships cannot match. The 1693 founding, VIMS oceanography research and Mason School’s boutique MBA anchor the value proposition against larger US public peers.
William & Mary suits Indian applicants who want a top-25 US public ivy at a mid-range non-resident cost of USD 71,400 (INR 67.5 lakh) per year, targeting a Mason MBA salary median of USD 115,000 or a general UG median of USD 62,000. The F-1 to STEM OPT pathway anchors a 36-month post-study work window for computer science and analytics graduates. Small classes and Colonial Williamsburg’s low cost of living compound the value.
W&M is not for applicants seeking QS top-200 brand signalling, large-city networking, or need-based aid; Indian candidates prioritising rank optics or STEM scale should compare with UNC Chapel Hill and University of Virginia before committing.
William & Mary FAQs
Ques. What is William & Mary’s acceptance rate for international applicants?
Ans. William & Mary reported an overall acceptance rate of 38% in its most recent published cycle. International applicants face a broadly similar bar for undergraduate admission, though graduate schools like Mason MBA and Marshall-Wythe Law are more selective. Applicants with SAT 1450 or ACT 33 and Class 12 above 90% cluster at the admitted median, and the test-optional policy applies to standardised tests but not to TOEFL or IELTS.
Ques. How does the F-1 visa work for W&M admits from India?
Ans. Admitted students receive an I-20 form from the Reves Center within two weeks of enrolment confirmation. Applicants pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350, INR 33,075) and book a visa interview at the US consulate in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata or Hyderabad. The consulate typically approves the F-1 within two to five days of the interview. Carry the I-20, financial proof of USD 71,400 for the first year and admission letter.
Ques. Can W&M students work part-time while enrolled?
Ans. F-1 students at W&M may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during semesters and 40 hours during breaks. Off-campus employment is not permitted in the first academic year. From the second year onward, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) enable off-campus work directly tied to the field of study, subject to Designated School Official approval at the Reves Center.
Ques. Does William & Mary waive GRE for MBA applicants from India?
Ans. Mason School accepts both GMAT and GRE for MBA admission, and offers a test waiver for applicants with strong quantitative undergraduate coursework or five-plus years of managerial experience. Indian applicants from IITs, NITs or top private engineering colleges with strong CGPA can request a waiver via the online application. MS Business Analytics and MS Finance retain the test requirement for most cohorts; confirm on the Mason application portal.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise William & Mary?
Ans. W&M is on the approved list of SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Avanse and Prodigy Finance. Loans up to INR 1.5 crore are available with the I-20 as collateral proof for STEM programmes; non-STEM loans typically require additional property collateral above INR 40 lakh. Interest rates run 9.5% to 11.5% for secured loans and 11.5% to 13.5% for unsecured loans as of September 2026.
Ques. What OPT duration applies to STEM programmes at W&M?
Ans. STEM-designated programmes at W&M (including MS Computer Science, MS Business Analytics and MS Finance where STEM-designated) qualify for 12-month standard OPT plus the 24-month STEM extension, giving graduates 36 months of US work authorisation. Non-STEM programmes receive the standard 12-month OPT only. Verify the STEM-designated status of the specific programme on the William & Mary Office of International Students, Scholars and Programs page before applying.
Ques. Is IELTS accepted for admission to William & Mary?
Ans. W&M accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test and PTE Academic for English proficiency. Typical minima for admitted students are IELTS 7.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 100, Duolingo 120 and PTE 68. Applicants who completed four full years of English-medium instruction at CBSE, ICSE or IB may request a waiver by submitting a school-verification letter with the Common Application. Programme-level requirements can be higher.
Ques. What is the application fee at W&M and can it be waived?
Ans. The William & Mary undergraduate application fee is USD 75 (INR 7,088) via the Common Application. Fee waivers are available through the Common App fee-waiver form for applicants demonstrating financial hardship, and W&M honours College Board and NACAC fee waivers. Graduate application fees run USD 50 to 100 per programme depending on the school. QuestBridge finalists receive automatic waivers; check waiver eligibility during the online application flow.
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From the moment I entered, the campus felt like home. Students interacted with my tour guide and myself, and the tour guide ensured that I knew every possible detail she could give. I loved learning about the history, diversity, and academics, and I knew William & Mary was the perfect choice for me.
Fees
Expenses are due either via a monthly payment plan, or a single payment prior to the upcoming semester. This includes tuition, housing, meal plan, and fees.
College of William & Mary Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.8 L/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.3 L/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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College of William & Mary Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.wm.edu/admission/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
College of William & Mary Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11240 | 8146 | 3094 | 665 |
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