College of William and Mary

Williamsburg, VA · founded 1693 · 8,800 students · public research university · Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) for most sports; some teams in other conferences

Known for: Being the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States (after Harvard) and a 'Public Ivy,' known for its historic roots, strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation, and notable alumni including U.S. presidents.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #53
QS World: #641
Times Higher Education: #251
Forbes: #82

Top programmes

Law
History
Business
Public Policy
English
Psychology

Notable alumni

Thomas Jefferson — Third President of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence
James Monroe — Fifth President of the United States
Jon Stewart — Comedian, former host of 'The Daily Show'
Glenn Close — Academy Award-nominated actress
Robert Gates — Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director
Mike Tomlin — Head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Patricia Cornwell — Best-selling crime novelist

Traditions

Yule Log Ceremony
Charter Day
Senior Walk through the Wren Building
Ringing the Wren Bell after passing exams

If College of William and Mary were…

As a food: Colonial-era hardtack biscuit reimagined by a Michelin chef — William & Mary takes the oldest American academic traditions—literally colonial—and serves them with rigorous modern intellectual preparation. It's historically significant but not quite as indulgent as the Ivies, demand
As an athlete: Tim Duncan — Fundamentally sound, quietly excellent, and underrated by casual fans who chase flashier names. W&M produces steady, intelligent achievers who don't make as much noise as their Ivy peers but execute at an elite level wit
As a person alive today: Jon Stewart — Sharp, politically literate, historically informed, and able to puncture pretension while maintaining intellectual credibility. W&M grads blend earnest civic engagement with enough self-awareness to avoid taking themselv
As a historical figure: James Madison — Brilliant, deeply educated in classical tradition, instrumental in building American institutions, yet perpetually overshadowed by flashier founders. W&M students are the Madisons of higher ed—scholarly, principled, doin
As a movie or TV show: Dead Poets Society — A small, tradition-bound institution where students grapple with history, literature, and the weight of legacy in intimate classrooms and beautiful old buildings. The intellectual intensity and honor code culture fit per
As a US president: James Monroe — Competent, historically significant, deeply connected to the founding era, yet somehow the one everyone forgets when listing the greats. W&M is the Monroe Doctrine of universities—important, accomplished, and perpetually
As a city: Williamsburg, Brooklyn — Both trade on colonial history while hosting young, educated populations trying to balance tradition with contemporary ambition. One's the original Williamsburg with actual colonial buildings; the other gentrified and re
As an element: Silver — Precious, historically valuable, and highly conductive—but always second to gold in the public imagination. W&M has the pedigree, the polish, and the performance, but exists in the shadow of Ivies that get the glory desp
As a car: 1985 Volvo 240 Wagon — Second-oldest university in America with public school tuition, delivering Ivy-caliber academics in Colonial Williamsburg—safe, enduring, understated prestige that never goes out of style. The preppy professors' car that

Campus life

The campus has a strong sense of history and tradition, with a vibrant but not overwhelmingly large student body. Social life revolves around student organizations, campus events, and Greek life (which is present but not dominant). The historic setting in Colonial Williamsburg creates a unique atmosphere.