The College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, founded in 1693. Known for its rich history, the college has a distinctive character shaped by its commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant campus culture. The school’s motto, "Virtus et Sapientia," which translates to "Virtue and Wisdom," reflects its dedication to fostering moral integrity and intellectual growth among its students. This philosophy is evident in the rigorous academic programs offered across various disciplines, including the liberal arts, sciences, business, and law, making it a well-rounded institution for aspiring scholars and professionals.

William and Mary boasts a beautiful campus that is steeped in tradition, featuring historic buildings and modern facilities that support both learning and student life. The college's commitment to research is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and libraries, providing students with the resources they need to thrive academically. Additionally, the school is known for its strong sense of community, where students engage in various extracurricular activities, sports, and service projects. With a focus on student involvement and leadership, the college encourages its students to participate in a range of athletic programs, arts, and clubs, fostering a well-rounded collegiate experience. The college's impressive alumni network includes notable figures such as three U.S. Presidents and various leaders in government, business, and academia, which further enhances the institution's reputation and provides valuable networking opportunities for graduates. Overall, the College of William and Mary stands out as a prestigious and nurturing environment for higher education.

Analysis of Key Metrics at the College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary, a public institution, has shown significant trends in tuition fees, student demographics, and graduation rates over the years. One of the most striking observations is the substantial increase in both in-state and out-of-state tuition for undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, in-state tuition has risen from approximately $14,267 to $25,041, while out-of-state tuition has surged from $38,440 to $49,412. This upward trend reflects a broader national trend of increasing college costs, which has raised concerns around accessibility and affordability for prospective students.

In terms of student demographics, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has shifted slightly, with male enrollment decreasing from about 45.3% in 2013 to approximately 41.7% in 2023. This change may suggest a growing trend towards higher female enrollment in higher education, which is consistent with national statistics showing women outnumbering men in college attendance.

Graduation rates have remained relatively stable, with the on-time graduation rate hovering around 84.6% to 85.1% from 2013 to 2023. This level of consistency is commendable, indicating effective academic support and resources for students. Moreover, the retention rate for undergraduate students has shown a slight decline from about 96.1% in 2013 to 95.4% in 2023, though it rebounded in recent years, suggesting improvements in student satisfaction and support systems.

Overall, these metrics indicate a university committed to maintaining educational quality despite rising costs, while also adapting to changing demographics. As higher education continues to evolve, the College of William and Mary will need to address these challenges to ensure that it remains an attractive option for students from diverse backgrounds.

Analysis of Graduation Data from the College of William and Mary

The graduation data from the College of William and Mary in 2023 reveals intriguing trends across various fields of study. Business Administration and Management, although not producing any bachelor's degrees, significantly contributes to the master's level with 411 graduates, indicating a strong emphasis on advanced business education. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for higher qualifications in the competitive job market.

Law programs also stand out, with 217 doctorate graduates, emphasizing the institution's strength in legal education. Notably, this program has a robust international student representation, with 8 doctorate graduates hailing from abroad, highlighting the college's global appeal in legal studies.

In social sciences, Political Science and Government shows a healthy yield, especially with 137 bachelor's degrees awarded. This could reflect a growing interest in civic engagement and governance among students, which is vital in today's politically charged environment. Similarly, Sociology programs are producing a respectable number of graduates, indicating a trend towards social research and issues.

However, some fields such as Computer Science and Education show a concerning lack of bachelor's and master's graduates, which may indicate either a drop in enrollment or a need for curriculum reevaluation to attract more students. This is particularly pertinent as the technological landscape continues to evolve, necessitating a skilled workforce.

Overall, the data underscores the diverse academic landscape at the College of William and Mary, with strong performances in business and law, while also signaling areas that may require strategic focus to enhance student engagement and graduation rates in other disciplines.

Trends in Admissions and Rankings at the College of William and Mary

The College of William and Mary has experienced a notable shift in its rankings and admissions statistics over the years. The most recent ranking for 2025 places the institution at 54, marking a significant decline compared to previous years. This downward trend raises questions about the factors contributing to the college's falling position within national rankings. Examining the admission rates, the acceptance rates for males have fluctuated, with a peak of approximately 46% in 2021, while the acceptance rate for females has seen relatively lower rates, reaching around 40% in the same year. This disparity in acceptance rates may reflect broader trends in higher education, where institutions often see higher demand from female applicants, leading to a competitive admissions landscape. The total enrollment numbers have shown a slight increase, with 1,684 students admitted in 2022, but this number has not translated into improved rankings. The increase in the number of applicants—over 12,000 in 2023—highlights the growing interest in the college, yet the high number of denials (over 12,000 in 2023) suggests that William and Mary is becoming increasingly selective. Overall, while the College of William and Mary continues to attract a large pool of applicants, its declining rank and fluctuating acceptance rates indicate a challenging environment in higher education. It will be crucial for the college to adapt to these changes and maintain its appeal to prospective students while addressing the factors leading to its current position in national rankings.

Trends in Admission Scores at the College of William and Mary

The data from the College of William and Mary over the years presents an intriguing picture of trends in standardized testing scores among admitted students. For instance, the SAT reading and math scores have shown a gradual increase from 2007 to 2023, indicating a higher academic caliber among incoming students. The 25th percentile scores have improved, rising from 620 in 2007 to 695 in 2023 for reading, while the 75th percentile scores have also seen a notable increase, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.

On the other hand, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores has shown a decline from 96% in 2007 to about 52% in recent years. This shift could be attributed to a growing trend among colleges to adopt test-optional policies, influenced by a broader discussion around equity and access in higher education. As institutions reconsider the weight of standardized tests in admissions, many prospective students might feel less pressured to submit these scores, particularly if they believe their grades and extracurricular involvement more accurately reflect their abilities.

Overall, while the average scores have risen, the decreasing percentage of applicants submitting standardized test scores signifies a transformative period in college admissions, where holistic evaluation of candidates is becoming increasingly prioritized. This evolution aligns with national trends, as colleges and universities across the country grapple with how to fairly assess applicants in a changing educational landscape.

Demographic Overview of 2023 Students at the College of William and Mary

The 2023 data from the College of William and Mary reveals a diverse student body, with a notable gender distribution across various categories. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 1,642 students, with 44.2% identifying as male and 55.8% as female. This trend of a higher female representation continues among upperclassmen, where 4,981 students are enrolled, showing a male percentage of 40.8% and a female percentage of 59.2%.

Interestingly, the demographic breakdown suggests that the College is fostering an inclusive environment, as seen in the stable female representation among graduate students, where 57.4% are female and 42.6% are male, with a total of 2,857 students. The proportion of male and female students remains relatively balanced across the board, with a slight lean towards female students in most categories.

Additionally, the representation of racial and ethnic groups among these students highlights the institution's commitment to diversity. For instance, the data indicates a significant number of white students, alongside smaller but meaningful representations of other ethnic groups. This aligns with broader trends in higher education, where institutions are increasingly prioritizing diversity and inclusion, reflecting societal shifts and the importance of varied perspectives in academic settings.

Overall, the College of William and Mary appears to be successfully maintaining a gender-diverse and racially inclusive student population, contributing positively to the academic environment and the overall educational experience.

Student Age Composition at the College of William and Mary

The age distribution of students at the College of William and Mary reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of its student body. A significant portion of the undergraduates falls within the 18-19 age range, with 1360 male and 1894 female students, accounting for approximately 51% of the total male and 53% of the total female population. The 20-21 age group also represents a considerable segment, indicating that a large number of students are likely to be recent high school graduates transitioning directly into college.

Interestingly, the number of male and female graduate students in the 22-24 age range is notable, with 321 males and 437 females, suggesting that the institution attracts a healthy number of graduate students in this age bracket. However, as we move into the older age categories, the numbers begin to decline significantly. For instance, only 26 males and 28 females are in the 25-29 age group, which could indicate that the college has less appeal for older students or that many may opt to pursue their studies elsewhere.

The presence of a small number of students aged 50 and above, with only 5 males and 3 females, highlights the challenges facing older adults in returning to education, which is a growing trend across many institutions. This data could reflect broader societal trends regarding education, employment, and lifelong learning, emphasizing the need for colleges to create more inclusive environments for non-traditional students. Overall, the data underscores the youthful nature of the student body at the College of William and Mary while also hinting at the potential for increased diversity in age among students.

Analysis of International Student Trends at the College of William and Mary

The data on international students at the College of William and Mary reveals notable trends over the years, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate sectors. Beginning in 2004, the percentage of international undergraduates was a mere 2.17%, showing a gradual increase over the years, peaking at 6.22% in 2018. However, from 2019 onwards, there has been a decline, with the percentage dropping to 4.30% in 2023. This fluctuation may reflect broader trends in U.S. higher education, where various factors, including changes in immigration policies and global events, can significantly impact international student enrollment.

On the graduate level, the percentage of international students has consistently remained higher than that of undergraduates, starting at 14.33% in 2004 and experiencing minor fluctuations. While the proportion reached 14.97% in 2015, it has gradually decreased to 8.72% by 2023. This decline could be attributed to a combination of factors such as increased competition from other countries for international students and potential shifts in academic program offerings that may not align with international student interests.

The decline in international enrollment during the past few years, particularly post-pandemic, raises concerns for institutions that rely on this demographic for diversity and financial sustainability. As the global landscape continues to evolve, William and Mary, like many other universities, may need to adapt its strategies to attract and retain international students, ensuring a vibrant academic community that benefits all students.

Here are some notable schools surrounding the College of William and Mary:

1. University of Virginia-Main Campus - Ranked 24th in the 2025 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.

2. University of Richmond - With a rank of 22, this private liberal arts university is recognized for its strong commitment to undergraduate education and vibrant campus life.

3. Georgetown University - Also ranked 24th, Georgetown is renowned for its international relations and law programs, and it boasts a rich history and diverse student body.

4. Virginia Commonwealth University - Ranked 136, VCU is well-regarded for its programs in arts and health sciences, serving a large and diverse student population.

5. St. John's College - This liberal arts college, ranked 83rd, is known for its unique curriculum focusing on classic texts and interdisciplinary studies.

6. George Washington University - With a rank of 63, GWU is situated in the heart of the nation's capital, offering students numerous opportunities for internships and networking in politics, business, and more.

These institutions provide a variety of academic programs and vibrant campus experiences, making them excellent choices for students seeking higher education in the region.

Analysis of Crime Rates at the College of William and Mary

The crime statistics at the College of William and Mary present a noteworthy trend over the past decade. From 2013 to 2016, there was a noticeable fluctuation in the crime rate per 1,000 students, peaking at 24.52 in 2014. However, a significant decrease was observed starting from 2017, where the crime rate dropped to 14.99, and it continued to decline, reaching its lowest point in 2021 at just 4.16 incidents per 1,000 students.

The data indicates a considerable improvement in campus safety, particularly in the last few years. The year 2021 stands out with a remarkable drop in crime rates, which can be attributed to various factors, including enhanced campus security measures, increased awareness and prevention programs, and possibly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which led to reduced campus activity.

Despite a slight uptick in crime rates in 2022 and 2023, the overall trend indicates that the college has become a safer environment for students. However, it is crucial for the institution to maintain vigilance and continue its efforts in crime prevention to ensure the safety of its students and faculty. The data also highlights the importance of community engagement and proactive measures in reducing crime on campus.

As crime rates can significantly affect student perception and overall campus life, ongoing monitoring and responsive strategies will be essential moving forward. For those interested in understanding how these rates are calculated, further details can be found at the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.