Williams College (WC, William College) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Nestled in the purple mountains of the Berkshires, Williams College is a small, private, liberal arts institution with an undergraduate population of 2,000 students, brimming with an almost tangible excitement for learning and life. These are students who work hard and play hard, devoting serious attention to courses and extracurriculars alike; the result is a campus that hums with activity and academic fervor. After four years, Williams graduates leave the Purple Valley armed with the knowledge and wherewithal to make a difference; their contributions are visible across the spectrum.

Founded in 1793, Williams exemplifies the liberal arts modus operandi of experimentation and exploration. Students are encouraged to build strong, broad foundations and then to construct spires soaring into the unknown. In this fashion, students can both pursue familiar interests and discover new ones; it is not uncommon to find a physics major taking music theory, for example, or a political science student spending time in the geology lab. Most students, as well, are vigorously involved in campus life and extracurriculars and don

Information Summary

Ranks 2nd in Massachusetts and 4th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	99.5
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$73,200
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	35 / 1550
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	7 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	99% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,149

Academics

As a true liberal arts institution, Williams pairs a rich academic tradition with a modern focus on experimental learning. The old disciplines are still evident in the framework, to be sure; one can still read the classics in their original Latin and Greek, play out elaborate rhetorical battles in a philosophy class, and digest the great canonical works of literature and art. Take, for example, the English lecture course

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Admissions

There is no such thing as a

Financial Aid

With the annual inflation of tuition prices, college is growing increasingly expensive. Williams, with comprehensive fees totaling $47,530, is one of the nation

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5529th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Massachusetts.

Students

With a student body composed of individuals who did everything in high school, it is no wonder that the campus is full of an almost frenetic energy. Though the college is small, there is always something going on, and students keep themselves very busy. As Williamstown itself offers few entertainment options (the

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Alumni

With today

Faculty

Williams faculty members are at the college because they primarily want to teach undergraduates, and their motivation invigorates the classroom. Although most of them are brilliant researchers (ninety-six percent have their terminal degree), they put students first and make themselves available both in and out of the classroom. Almost every class is taught by a professor, and teaching assistants are used primarily to help grade routine assignments and help direct review sessions.

The fact that Williams professors are so accessible is sometimes a shock for students who are not used to engaging their teachers. They not only make office hours and appointments available for students with academic questions, but they become advisors on everything from postgraduate plans to personal issues. Professors also keep involved in campus life, some even joining intramural sports.

In addition to teaching, Williams professors produce an impressive amount of scholarship, for which they regularly receive national attention and major grants. Many professors, as well, will take on students to assist them over the summer and during the year, giving students valuable research experience; in recent years, hundreds of students have participated.

Williams College