Williams College

Hopkins Hall 880 Main Street Williamstown, MA 01267 USA

University Type

Private

Massachusetts,

United States

Year Established:

1793

Williams College is a private liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts. It was established as a men's college in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams, a colonist from the Province of Massachusetts Bay who was killed in the French and Indian War in 1755.

Williams's main campus is located in Williamstown, in the Berkshires in rural northwestern Massachusetts, and contains more than 100 academic, athletic, and residential buildings. There are 360 voting faculty members, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. As of 2022, the school has an enrollment of 2,021 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students.

Following a liberal arts curriculum, Williams College provides undergraduate instruction in 25 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs including 36 majors in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. Williams offers an almost entirely undergraduate instruction, though there are two graduate programs in development economics and art history. 

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Williams College Program Rankings

  • Liberal Arts Colleges - Rank #1 (US News)

Williams College Highlights

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FAQs

What are the most popular graduate programs offered at Williams College?

Williams College is primarily an undergraduate institution famous for its liberal arts curriculum. Popular majors include Economics, Political Science, Biology, Psychology, and English. Although primarily focused on undergraduate education, Williams offers a Master’s degree in the History of Art through the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art, held in collaboration with the Clark Art Institute.

What is the Annual Cost of attendance at Williams College?

For the academic year, the total cost of attendance at Williams College is approximately $78,000 USD, which includes tuition, room, board, and other fees. Converting this to Indian Rupees at a rate of approximately 82 INR to 1 USD, the total cost would be around ₹6,396,000 INR, rounded to the nearest hundreds.

What Financial aid and scholarship options are available at Williams College?

Williams College offers need-based financial aid, which students can apply for by submitting the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, including international students. Merit-based scholarships are not offered, emphasizing the college's commitment to equity and accessibility.

What is the reputation and ranking of Williams College?

Williams College is highly regarded for its rigorous academics and commitment to undergraduate education, consistently ranking as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Specifically, it often secures a top position in rankings for best undergraduate teaching and best value schools by major educational publications.

What is the campus culture like at Williams College?

Campus life at Williams College is vibrant and diverse, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. The college hosts annual events such as the Williams Winter Carnival and the Mountain Day. Students can engage in over 150 clubs ranging from arts and music to politics and environmental clubs, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community environment.

What are the housing options at Williams College?

Williams College primarily offers on-campus housing for undergraduates, including residence halls, small house communities, and co-op housing options, which foster a close-knit living-learning environment. For those interested in off-campus living, popular areas include Williamstown and adjacent communities such as North Adams and Pittsfield, which provide various rental options suitable for student budgets and lifestyles.

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Williams College Fun Facts

  • Purple Cows as Mascots

    Williams College sports teams are uniquely nicknamed the Ephs (pronounced "eeps"), after the college's founder, Ephraim Williams. Their mascot? A purple cow named Ephelia!

  • The Mountain Day Tradition

    Each fall, classes are unexpectedly canceled for Mountain Day. Students celebrate by hiking local peaks and enjoying outdoor activities, fostering community spirit and appreciation for nature.

  • Tutorial System Inspired by Oxford

    Williams College offers a distinctive Oxford-style tutorial system, emphasizing one-on-one student-faculty interaction. This rigorous academic format enhances critical thinking and personalized learning.

  • The First American College to Divest from Apartheid South Africa

    In 1977, Williams College made a pioneering move by being the first U.S. college to divest from companies operating in apartheid-era South Africa, highlighting its commitment to social justice.