Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.

William & Mary Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)

The College of William & Mary, located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, holds the distinction of being the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, chartered in 1693. Often called a “Public Ivy,” William & Mary combines the academic intensity of a top liberal arts college with the research infrastructure and affordability of a public university. With roughly 6,800 undergraduates spread across a 1,200-acre campus bordered by Colonial Williamsburg, the university draws students who value intellectual depth, historical awareness, and close faculty relationships. For the Class of 2030 (entering fall 2026), William & Mary’s overall acceptance rate is projected at approximately ~33%.

Admissions Statistics at a Glance

Metric	Class of 2030 (2026 Entry)
Acceptance Rate	~33%
Total Applicants	~17,500
Admitted Students	~5,775
Enrolled Class Size	~1,550
SAT Range (Middle 50%)	1360-1510
ACT Range (Middle 50%)	31-34
Average Unweighted GPA	~3.9
Early Decision Acceptance Rate	~46%

As a public university, William & Mary serves a dual mandate: educating Virginia residents while attracting top out-of-state and international talent. Roughly 65% of admitted students are Virginia residents, though the out-of-state acceptance rate is considerably lower, often hovering around ~22%.

What William & Mary Looks For

Academic Preparation

William & Mary students are serious scholars. The middle 50% SAT range of 1360-1510 places admitted students in competitive territory, and most have earned unweighted GPAs above 3.85 while taking the most rigorous curriculum their schools offer. The university is test-optional through at least the 2026 cycle, but submitting strong scores remains advantageous for applicants whose results fall within or above the middle 50%.

Intellectual Curiosity

William & Mary’s undergraduate culture prizes intellectual engagement over pre-professional box-checking. Admissions essays that reveal genuine curiosity, original thinking, and enthusiasm for learning tend to resonate. The supplemental essay, which asks what about William & Mary appeals to you, rewards applicants who have done their homework on specific programs, faculty, research opportunities, or campus traditions.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Considerations

Virginia residency is a meaningful factor. In-state applicants benefit from a higher acceptance rate, though the bar for academic preparation remains high. Out-of-state applicants face a notably lower acceptance rate and should ensure their application clearly articulates why William & Mary is a strong mutual fit.

Extracurricular and Community Involvement

William & Mary values students who contribute to their communities. Leadership roles, sustained commitments, and evidence of initiative matter more than a long list of activities. The university’s emphasis on citizen-leaders means that civic engagement, public service, and community impact carry particular weight.

Acceptance Rate by Application Type

Application Type	Acceptance Rate	Deadline	Decision Release
Early Decision 1 (ED1)	~46%	November 1	Mid-December
Early Decision 2 (ED2)	~38%	January 1	Mid-February
Regular Decision (RD)	~27%	January 1	Late March

William & Mary offers two rounds of binding Early Decision. ED1 applicants enjoy the strongest admissions advantage, with an acceptance rate of ~46% compared to ~27% for Regular Decision. ED2 provides a second chance for students who identified William & Mary as their first choice later in the process. Together, ED1 and ED2 fill a substantial portion of the incoming class, making the remaining Regular Decision spots highly competitive.

If William & Mary is clearly your top school, applying ED1 significantly improves your odds.

Financial Aid and Cost

Financial Aid Metric	Detail
In-State Tuition and Fees	~$24,800
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees	~$48,000
Room and Board	~$14,500
Students Receiving Need-Based Aid	~35%
Average Need-Based Grant	~$22,000
Meets Full Demonstrated Need	No (gaps possible)
Merit Scholarships Available	Yes (limited)

William & Mary’s in-state tuition makes it one of the strongest value propositions in American higher education. Out-of-state students face a significantly higher price tag but still benefit from the academic quality typically associated with schools costing much more. The university does not meet 100% of demonstrated need for all students, so financial gaps can occur, particularly for out-of-state families. High-achieving applicants may qualify for merit scholarships, including the William & Mary Scholars program and the Murray Scholars program, which are awarded based on academic excellence and leadership.

Filing the FAFSA early is critical, as aid funds are limited and awarded on a rolling basis.

Key Takeaways

William & Mary’s overall acceptance rate is approximately ~33%, but the out-of-state rate is considerably lower at roughly ~22%.
Early Decision 1 applicants have the strongest statistical advantage, with an acceptance rate approaching ~46%.
The university values intellectual curiosity, sustained community involvement, and demonstrated fit with its liberal arts mission.
In-state tuition makes William & Mary among the best values in higher education; out-of-state families should plan carefully for cost.
William & Mary’s Public Ivy reputation means admitted students match the academic profiles seen at many private elite universities.

Next Steps

Verify all admissions data with the institution directly. Acceptance rates and requirements change annually.