The College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, stands as one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, founded in 1693. This esteemed college is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and a strong liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership among its students. The college's motto, "Sapientia et Virtus," which translates to "Wisdom and Virtue," reflects its dedication to cultivating both intellectual prowess and moral integrity.

William and Mary boasts a rich historical campus that combines colonial architecture with modern facilities. The campus features the iconic Sunken Garden, which serves as a vibrant hub for student life and outdoor activities. Students are encouraged to engage in a variety of extracurricular and athletic activities, with over 400 student organizations and a strong NCAA Division I athletic program. Moreover, the college prides itself on its excellent faculty, consisting of accomplished scholars and practitioners who are dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. The emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities and close faculty-student relationships enhances the academic experience, paving the way for successful careers for its graduates. Many alumni have gone on to achieve notable positions in public service, business, law, and diplomacy, highlighting the institution's legacy of producing leaders.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at the College of William and Mary

The data from the College of William and Mary over the years presents noteworthy trends in several key educational metrics. One of the most significant observations is the substantial increase in tuition fees, which saw a marked rise for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, the in-state tuition escalated from approximately $14,267 in 2014 to $25,041 in 2024, indicating an increase of nearly 75%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition climbed from around $38,440 to $49,412 in the same period. This upward trend in tuition may pose challenges for students and families, reflecting a broader national concern about the rising costs of higher education in the United States.

Another important aspect is the retention rate of undergraduate students. The retention rate has mostly held steady, hovering around 92-95%. This consistency suggests that the college has effective support systems in place, helping to keep students engaged and enrolled. Yet, a notable dip in 2021 stands out and may warrant further examination, signaling potential impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on student experiences and satisfaction.

Additionally, the graduation rates, particularly the timely graduation rate of undergraduates, have remained relatively high, exceeding 84% in recent years. This points to a strong commitment to ensuring that students complete their degrees on time. However, trends in gender ratios among undergraduates show a gradual decline in the male-to-female ratio, from about 44% male to 41% male over the same period, suggesting a shift in gender demographics within the student body.

In summary, while the tuition increases at the College of William and Mary could become a barrier for prospective students, the retention and graduation rates indicate strong institutional support. Moreover, ongoing shifts in gender enrollment reflect changing societal norms in education. These metrics collectively highlight both the challenges and strengths faced by one of America's esteemed public institutions.

Analysis of Graduation Data from the College of William and Mary

The graduation data from the College of William and Mary in 2023 presents interesting insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields. Notably, the fields of Business Administration and Management, Law, and Social Sciences dominate, particularly in master's and doctoral programs. For instance, the Law program awarded 217 doctoral degrees, demonstrating its robust reputation and attractiveness to graduate students. This high number reflects the increasing demand for legal education and professions, which has been further acknowledged in evolving discussions around social justice and legal reform initiatives in the United States.

In the realm of business—specifically Management Science and Marketing—these programs also show substantial master's graduation figures, although undergraduate degrees are notably absent for this field. This trend may indicate a preference among students to seek advanced credentials, aligning with current labor market demands for advanced skills in business management.

Moreover, the notable presence of international students is evident, particularly in fields such as Business and Law, where a percentage of graduates are from international backgrounds. This trend signifies the college's appeal and the global nature of both industries, suggesting an enriching multicultural environment for all students.

On the other hand, STEM-related areas like Computer Science, Biology, and Mathematics present a quieter picture in terms of graduation numbers, particularly at the undergraduate level. This could reflect ongoing concerns regarding recruitment into STEM fields, which have been highlighted in various recent initiatives aimed at increasing participation, particularly among underrepresented groups.

Overall, the graduation statistics for the College of William and Mary paint a picture of a diverse academic landscape that is responsive to overarching trends in educational demand and workforce needs.

Analysis of College of William and Mary Admission Trends

The College of William and Mary has seen a noticeable decline in its national ranking, dropping from 33rd in 2010 to 54th in 2025. This substantial shift in ranking raises concerns about the institution's competitiveness and appeal in a highly selective landscape dominated by top-tier universities. Admission rates for male students have fluctuated over the years, with a recent admission rate of approximately 37.0% in 2024, down from 44.7% in 2010. Female students experienced slightly higher acceptance rates, peaking at around 40.0% during the same period, highlighting a consistent trend where fewer applicants are granted admission each year. This competition reflects the increasing number of applications received, peaking at over 12,000 in 2023, suggesting a growing interest in the institution among prospective students. Interestingly, the number of students enrolled has also risen, with the latest figure reaching 1,619 in 2024. However, despite this increase, the acceptance rates indicate that the institution is becoming more selective, which could be a strategy to enhance the overall quality of incoming classes amid declining rankings. The comprehensive data underscores the challenges faced by William and Mary as it navigates a changing academic landscape, necessitating strategic decisions to bolster its reputation and attract diverse talent in the future.

Trends in College Admissions at William & Mary

The data regarding SAT and ACT scores for the College of William and Mary over the years reveals a nuanced trend in admissions that merits attention. A noticeable shift is observed in the percentage of applicants submitting standardized test scores. For instance, in 2007, a striking 96% of applicants provided SAT scores, which has dramatically decreased to 45% by 2024. This decline raises questions about the changing landscape of college admissions, particularly the growing movement towards test-optional policies nationwide.

Examining the score ranges, it is clear that while the 25th to 75th percentile scores of admitted students have shown slight fluctuations, the overall trend seems to maintain rigor. The SAT reading scores have hovered around the mid-to-high 600s and into the 700s, indicating a sustained high academic standard among admitted students. This stability, despite reduced submission rates, suggests that the institution is still attracting high-achieving candidates who are less reliant on standardized testing as an assessment of their abilities.

Interestingly, as the percentage of submitting students has seen a steady decline, the actual scores themselves have not shown a degrading trend. This could imply that the college is still receiving competitive applications even without the majority of students presenting their test scores. Furthermore, recent discussions in higher education point towards a re-evaluation of admissions metrics, focusing more on holistic admissions processes that consider diverse forms of student achievements and experiences.

Thus, the evolution at William & Mary reflects broader national trends within college admissions, where traditional measures are increasingly supplemented with alternative qualitative assessments, which may serve to diversify and enrich the student body composition moving forward.

Demographic Insights of College of William and Mary Students in 2024

The student body at the College of William and Mary shows a diverse composition, particularly in terms of gender and ethnicity among different classifications. In 2024, the undergraduate new students represent a significant portion, with 1,619 students comprising approximately 40.9% males and 59.1% females. This trend of higher female representation continues among undergraduate continuing students, where females account for about 58.8% of the 5,163 students.

Interestingly, the gender ratios among new students and continuing students signal a consistent pattern towards higher female enrollment, which resonates with broader trends observed in higher education across the United States. Despite the competitive environment, such a robust female representation indicates a growing interest and participation of women in higher educational pursuits.

Moreover, graduate students also exhibit a similar gender balance, with 40.7% males and 59.3% females among the 2,799 enrollees. This consistent underrepresentation of males could provoke considerations for recruitment strategies aimed at improving male enrollment in the future.

Classifications such as transfer students and the presence of international students (though data limited for this category) also contribute to this diversity. Given the increasing importance of cultural representation in educational institutions, it will be crucial for William and Mary to continue fostering an inclusive environment for all students, ensuring that various backgrounds are not only acknowledged but proactively supported in their academic journeys. As education moves forward, engaging a wide array of perspectives enriches the learning experience, ultimately cultivating a well-rounded future workforce.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at William & Mary

The age distribution of students at the College of William and Mary in 2024 presents an interesting snapshot of the demographic. The data reveals that the majority of undergraduates fall within the 18-21 age range, with a total of 3,240 students (over 83% of undergraduates). This concentration indicates that the college is predominantly attended by traditional-aged students, which is characteristic of many U.S. colleges and universities.

Interestingly, as the age increases, both male and female student numbers significantly decline. For instance, in the 22-24 age bracket, there is still a sizable population of 1,179 students combined, but by the time we reach the 25-29 category, total enrollment drops to 801, illustrating a sharp decrease of approximately 32%. This trend may suggest that many individuals pursue graduate studies later in life or that adult learners face challenges in continuing their education.

The data also exhibits a notable balance between male and female students in the undergraduate categories, specifically between the ages of 18-21, where female students slightly exceed male students. However, as one examines the graduate categories, particularly ages 25-34, a greater number of female graduate students emerge, especially in the 25-29 age group, where women account for about 54% of total graduate students.

This demographic landscape echoes broader trends in higher education, where institutions are continually adapting to serve a variety of student populations, including both traditional and non-traditional learners. As we observe these shifts, it's critical for colleges and universities to develop tailored support systems that cater to diverse age groups and their unique educational needs.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the College of William and Mary

The data from the College of William and Mary highlights a fluctuating yet somewhat concerning trend in international student enrollment over the years. For undergraduate students, the percentage of international students increased from 2.09% in 2005 to a peak of 6.22% in 2018. However, since then, there has been a noticeable decline, with the percentage dropping to 4.30% by 2023. This decline is particularly striking in the context of a global increase in student mobility, where more students are seeking international education opportunities.

Looking at graduate students, the proportion of international students has shown more stability but is on a gradual decline as well. In 2005, international graduate students accounted for 14.72% of the population, reaching a high of 14.97% in 2015, but it fell to 9.57% by 2024.

This decline in international student enrollment can be attributed to various factors, such as political climates, visa restrictions, and competition from other universities globally. As higher education institutions continue to adapt to these challenges, it's essential for the College of William and Mary to explore strategies to attract and retain international students. Promotion of diverse academic programs, scholarships for international students, and support systems such as orientation programs could play a vital role in reversing this trend. As universities often thrive on diversity and global perspectives, maintaining a robust international student population is crucial for the overall educational experience at the College of William and Mary.

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

• Hampton University: Ranked 273 in the 2025 US News rankings, Hampton University is a historically Black university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

• University of Virginia-Main Campus: With a rank of 24, the University of Virginia is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and vibrant campus culture.

• Virginia Commonwealth University: This public research university is ranked 136 and is known for its contributions to the arts, health sciences, and community engagement.

• University of Richmond: A highly respected liberal arts college with a rank of 22, University of Richmond emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum paired with an expansive global perspective.

• St. Mary's College of Maryland: As a public liberal arts institution ranked 100, it focuses on a liberal arts education and encourages students to engage in research and community service.

• Georgetown University: Ranked 24, Georgetown is known for its distinguished programs in international relations, law, and business.

• University of Maryland-College Park: With a rank of 44, this public research university offers diverse programs and is recognized for its contributions to research and innovation.

These institutions reflect the rich educational landscape near the College of William and Mary, offering various opportunities for academic advancement and development.

Trends in Crime Rates at the College of William and Mary

The data illustrates a significant decline in on-campus crime rates at the College of William and Mary from 2013 to 2021, followed by a slight increase in subsequent years. In 2013, the crime rate stood at 18.91 incidents per 1,000 students, reflecting a concerning safety environment. However, a noteworthy trend is seen from 2016 onward, where the rates gradually fell, reaching a low of 4.16 incidents per 1,000 students in 2021.

This decrease could be attributed to enhanced campus security measures, community awareness programs, and perhaps a societal shift in overall crime dynamics, as many colleges have implemented comprehensive strategies to ensure student safety. Such initiatives may include educational outreach on issues like drug and alcohol abuse, which are often closely tied to higher crime rates.

Despite the positive downward trend, the figures from 2022 and 2023 indicate a rise in crime, with rates increasing to 8.95 and 9.59 incidents per 1,000 students, respectively. This resurgence warrants attention as it could suggest changing factors influencing student safety. It raises questions about external societal conditions or potential lapses in previously effective safety measures.

All stakeholders—students, faculty, and administration—must remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining a secure campus environment. Engaging in ongoing dialogues about safety, utilizing available resources, and fostering a sense of community can help mitigate risks. The fluctuating statistics of crime underscore the need for continual assessment and adjustment of safety protocols on campus.

For further insight into crime rate calculations, refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.