College of William & Mary
Virginia, United States
Founded1693
Students7,000 UG / 2,700 PG
Ratio13:1
Updated February 5, 2026
Overview
Founded in 1693 by royal charter, William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, it is a premier public research university that combines the resources of a high-activity research institution with the intimate atmosphere of a liberal arts college. It is the site of several historical firsts, including the first law school in America and the founding of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
The university is organized into six primary schools covering Arts & Sciences, Business, Coastal & Marine Sciences, Education, Law, and a newly established school for Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. Its mission is currently guided by the "Vision 2026" strategic plan, which focuses on the pillars of Data, Water, Democracy, and Careers.
Location
The university is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, and features a campus that blends historic and modern architecture. The "Ancient Campus" is home to the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the oldest college building in the United States still in use. The campus also serves as a botanical resource, containing an herbarium with over 81,500 specimens and the Baldwin Memorial Collection of Woody Species.
Recent facility developments include the Integrated Science Center, a newly opened Arts Quarter with state-of-the-art performance venues, and the Muscarelle Museum of Art. The university is currently expanding its residential and dining facilities, with new projects expected to be completed by 2026. Additionally, the university maintains a presence in Washington, D.C., through its Washington Center.
Williamsburg, United States
Also in: Newport News, United States · Washington, United States
Campuses
Williamsburg
MainWilliamsburg· United States
Peninsula Center
Newport News· United States
Washington D.C. Center
Washington· United States
Campus Culture
Student life at William & Mary is defined by deep-rooted traditions and an active community of approximately 9,700 students from over 70 countries. Central to the culture is the nation’s first student-run honor system. Major traditions include Charter Day, the Yule Log ceremony in the historic Wren Building, and Opening Convocation, where new students walk through the portico of the oldest college building in the nation.
The campus features over 475 student clubs and organizations, with one-quarter of the student body participating in Greek life. Athletics are a significant part of the community, with 23 Division I varsity sports represented by the Griffin mascot. The university is also recognized for its high global engagement, ranking as the top public university for study-abroad participation.
Notable Alumni
William & Mary boasts a global network of over 118,000 alumni and is known as the "Alma Mater of the Nation" for educating four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. Graduates in Virginia earn the highest median income of all public university alumni in the state 15 years after graduation.
Notable modern alumni include former Secretary of Defense and current Chancellor Robert M. Gates, actors Glenn Close and Patton Oswalt, and NFL coaches Mike Tomlin, Sean McDermott, and Joe Brady. The university is also a top producer of Ph.D. candidates, ranking first among public universities for the percentage of undergraduate alumni who go on to earn doctoral degrees.
Rankings
William & Mary is frequently referred to as a "Public Ivy" and was recently designated a "New Ivy" by Forbes. It is classified as an R1 research institution, indicating very high research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks it as the #2 public university in the nation for Undergraduate Teaching, and it is recognized as the #1 public school for internships by The Princeton Review.
The university's professional schools also hold prestigious rankings; the Law School is ranked #31 nationally, and the university is considered a top-15 college for launching careers. It is also noted for its value, ranking #6 for best value among public colleges. Academic excellence is supported by a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, with nearly all classes taught by faculty members.
Research
As an R1 research institution, William & Mary emphasizes faculty-mentored research at the undergraduate level, with 85% of undergraduates participating in research projects. The university hosts specialized research centers such as AidData, an international development lab, and the Keck Environmental Field Laboratory.
Research strengths include U.S. Colonial History, Anthropology, and Physics. The university recently expanded its research footprint by establishing the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics to address Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. Additionally, the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences is a leader in marine research, supported by significant private investment for coastal studies.