Overview of William & Mary
The College of William & Mary, officially known as "The College of William and Mary in Virginia," was founded in 1693 by royal charter, making it the second-oldest higher education institution in the United States. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, it is a public research-intensive university renowned for its rich history and picturesque campus. William & Mary serves approximately 8,900 students, including around 6,500 undergraduates and 2,400 graduate students, across several faculties and schools. The university’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and public service firmly establishes its credibility and wide-reaching impact within the academic community.
William & Mary is particularly strong in the liberal arts, law, international relations, public policy, and the sciences. It is home to distinctive programs such as the William & Mary Law School, the nation’s oldest, and the highly ranked Raymond A. Mason School of Business. The university emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach and encourages close faculty-student collaboration, reflected in a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Noted for high research output, William & Mary ranks among the top national public universities in the U.S. News & World Report and is a member of the elite Association of American Universities (AAU). Prestigious research centers, such as the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), further the university’s global research agenda and collaborative partnerships.
Campus life at William & Mary is vibrant and inclusive, featuring over 475 student-run clubs and organizations encompassing academic societies, volunteering groups, arts, music, and sports teams. The university prides itself on fostering a welcoming and diverse community, hosting cultural festivals and international events to enhance global awareness. Comprehensive support services provide guidance for academic, personal, and career development. About 75% of undergraduates reside on campus, which offers a range of housing options, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and creative arts venues, ensuring a dynamic environment that supports holistic student growth.
William & Mary’s mission centers on cultivating thoughtful leaders, citizen-scholars, and creative thinkers dedicated to service, innovation, and ethical global engagement. The university fosters a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and academic excellence, nurturing a community prepared to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
