Forbes New Ivies 2025: William & Mary – A Historic Institution Redefining Ivy League School Academic Excellence
Looking to thrive in your academic and career path with Forbes New Ivies 2025 William and Mary?
William & Mary’s inclusion in Forbes’ prestigious 2025 “New Ivies” list confirms what many education experts have long recognized – this historic institution delivers Ivy-caliber excellence with unique advantages.
The College of William & Mary stands among just 20 schools nationwide that Forbes identifies as offering academic quality, career outcomes, and employer recognition comparable to traditional Ivy League universities.
Founded in 1693 as America’s second-oldest college, William & Mary combines its rich historical legacy with forward-thinking education.
The school’s 33% acceptance rate and median SAT score of 1410 reflect its selectivity while remaining more accessible than most Ivy League institutions.
This historic Virginia college offers what Forbes calls a “bucolic campus” with “centuries-old brick buildings” alongside strong liberal arts programs that make it particularly appealing to employers seeking well-rounded graduates.
You’ll find William & Mary joins the University of Virginia as one of only two public institutions from the same state to make the list.
This recognition comes amid growing applications – a 25% increase since 2020 – suggesting growing awareness of the exceptional value proposition of this “Alma Mater of the Nation” that balances prestige with accessibility.
Key Takeaways: A New Comer among the 20 Great Colleges Employers Love in 2025
- William & Mary earned its place among Forbes’ 2025 New Ivies through academic excellence, employer recognition, and strong career outcomes for graduates.
- With a 33% acceptance rate and $17,000 in-state tuition, William & Mary offers greater accessibility than traditional Ivy League schools while maintaining high academic standards.
- The college’s historic campus, liberal arts foundation, and strong alumni network provide distinct advantages that make graduates especially attractive to top employers.
The Forbes New Ivies Distinction: A Focus on Graduating the Talent Employers Seek
The “New Ivies” designation by Forbes represents a significant shift in how academic excellence is recognized beyond the traditional Ivy League institutions.
This prestigious list highlights schools that combine academic rigor with strong employer recognition and career outcomes for graduates.
Criteria for Selection
Forbes evaluates institutions for the “New Ivies” list based on several key metrics that demonstrate educational excellence and career value, outpacing most Ivy Leaguers.
The selection process emphasizes:
- Academic rigor comparable to traditional Ivy League schools
- Strong employer relationships and job placement rates
- Return on investment for graduates entering the workforce
- Innovation in curriculum and teaching methodologies
- Selectivity in admissions while maintaining diverse student bodies
Schools making the list typically show consistent improvement in application numbers and student quality.
For example, William & Mary received 17,799 applications in 2024—a 25% increase over 2020 figures, demonstrating growing recognition of its value.
The “New Ivies” distinction acknowledges institutions that provide exceptional educational value while preparing students for successful careers in changing economic landscapes.
Comparative Analysis with the Traditional Ivy League Schools
The “New Ivies” offer compelling alternatives to traditional Ivy League schools with several notable differences:
Academic Comparison
| Feature | New Ivies | Traditional Ivies |
|---|---|---|
| Median SAT | 1350-1450 | 1470-1550 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 to 18:1 | 6:1 to 9:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 15-35% | 4-10% |
| Tuition (Public) | $15,000-$40,000 | N/A (all private) |
While traditional Ivies maintain slightly higher selectivity, New Ivies have closed the gap in employer perception and graduate outcomes.
Many New Ivies offer specialized programs that rival or exceed Ivy counterparts in specific disciplines.
The value proposition of New Ivies is particularly compelling. You can receive comparable educational quality at substantially lower costs, especially at public institutions like William & Mary.
This translates to less student debt and potentially stronger long-term financial outcomes.
Inclusion of William & Mary in Forbes New Ivies List 2025
William & Mary’s presence on the 2025 Forbes New Ivies list recognizes its historic excellence combined with contemporary relevance.
As Forbes highlighted, the institution offers students “an historic college with centuries-old brick buildings and a bucolic campus” while delivering outcomes that employers value.
The school’s key strengths that earned this distinction include:
- Historic legacy as America’s second-oldest college (founded 1693)
- Liberal arts-focused curriculum with rigorous academic standards
- Median SAT score of 1410 demonstrating selective admissions
- Strong employer connections in government, business, and law
- Graduation rates exceeding 90%
William & Mary has long carried the informal designation of “Public Ivy” because of “the remarkable quality of its educational offerings, value and impact.”
The Forbes recognition formalizes this status, placing it among the elite group of 20 institutions employers increasingly value on par with traditional Ivy League graduates.
Historical Significance of William & Mary
William & Mary stands as one of America’s most historically significant institutions, earning its place among the Forbes New Ivies for 2025.
Founded in 1693, this institution has shaped American education and politics for over three centuries, producing leaders who have influenced every aspect of our nation’s development.
Founding and Legacy
William & Mary holds the distinction as the second-oldest institution of higher learning, it stands alongside the private new ivies. in the United States, founded by royal charter from King William III and Queen Mary II in 1693.
This prestigious beginning established it as a colonial center for education decades before the American Revolution.
The college served as the intellectual birthplace of American democracy, housing the country’s first law school and pioneering the modern honor code system still used by universities nationwide.
During the Revolutionary era, William & Mary transformed from a British institution to an American educational cornerstone.
Its historic campus in Williamsburg features the iconic Wren Building, the oldest college building still standing in the United States.
This architectural treasure continues to host classes, maintaining a living connection to the institution’s colonial roots.
Alumni Influence and Achievements
William & Mary’s alumni have profoundly shaped American history, with four U.S. presidents among its graduates: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, and George Washington (who received his surveyor’s license from the college).
The school also educated 16 signers of the Declaration of Independence.
In more recent times, William & Mary graduates have excelled across diverse fields. Robert Gates (former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director), Glenn Close (award-winning actress), and Jon Stewart (influential comedian and commentator) all called the college their alma mater.
The university continues this legacy of influence, with recent graduates holding leadership positions at major corporations including Google, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft.
Forbes specifically highlighted how employers view William & Mary degrees as comparable to Ivy League credentials in the eyes of employers., with graduates demonstrating exceptional analytical thinking and communication skills that attract the best employers.
This impressive alumni network provides current students with powerful mentorship opportunities and career connections that rival those of traditional Ivy institutions.
Academic Excellence and Programs that Excel among America´s Best Colleges
William & Mary’s academic reputation earned it a spot on Forbes’ 2025 New Ivies list, with programs that blend rigorous scholarship and innovative teaching approaches.
The university delivers exceptional educational value through prestigious awards, forward-thinking curriculum, and robust research opportunities that rival traditional Ivy institutions.
Prestigious Scholarships and Awards
William & Mary students consistently earn top national honors, including Rhodes, Fulbright, and Goldwater Scholarships.
In 2024-2025, W&M students received 23 Fulbright awards – the highest number in the university’s history. This places William & Mary among the top 10 producers of Fulbright scholars among public universities nationwide.
Notable Student Achievements (2024-2025):
- 4 Rhodes Scholarship finalists
- 7 Goldwater Scholarship recipients
- 12 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows
- 9 Critical Language Scholarship recipients
The university’s 1693 Scholars Program provides the most academically distinguished undergraduates with full tuition, room and board, and exclusive research opportunities with faculty mentors.
This highly selective program admits just 8-10 students annually from an applicant pool of over 500.
Innovative Curriculum
William & Mary’s curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and combines liberal arts foundations with career-focused skills.
The university has redesigned its general education requirements to create the COLL Curriculum, which fosters critical thinking across disciplines.
Signature Academic Features:
- Data Science Initiative connecting computer science with disciplines like business, government and environmental studies
- Global Research Institute blending policy research with real-world applications
- Center for Geospatial Analysis providing cutting-edge mapping and spatial analysis tools
- Raymond A. Mason School of Business offering programs consistently ranked in the top 25 nationally
W&M has maintained a low student-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring you receive personalized attention. 88% of classes have fewer than 40 students, creating an intimate learning environment uncommon at public institutions.
Research Opportunities
William & Mary delivers exceptional undergraduate research access despite its modest size.
The university allocates over $6 million annually to support undergraduate research projects, and 71% of students participate in research before graduation.
Key Research Programs:
| Program | Participants (2024-25) | Funding Available |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Research Grants | 350+ students | $3,000-$5,000 per student |
| Charles Center Honors Fellowships | 45 students | $6,000 per project |
| Global Research Institute | 200+ students | $1.2 million total |
Faculty members actively mentor undergraduate researchers, bridging the gap between private universities and public colleges., with opportunities beginning as early as freshman year.
The annual Undergraduate Research Symposium showcases over 150 student projects, with many leading to published papers in scholarly journals.
W&M’s approach combines the personalized mentorship of small liberal arts colleges with the research capabilities of larger universities and private colleges, making it uniquely positioned among the New Ivies for 2025.
Financial Aid and Affordability Challenging the Traditional Ivy League Schools
William & Mary offers robust financial aid packages that make this prestigious institution more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
The school combines federal, state, and institutional funding to create comprehensive support while maintaining an excellent return on investment for graduates.
Aid Programs and Student Debt
William & Mary provides several financial aid options to help students manage educational costs.
As a public institution, in-state students benefit from lower tuition rates, while all students can access various forms of assistance.
The school participates in all major federal aid programs, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Work-Study opportunities.
The average student debt at graduation is approximately $27,000, which is lower than many peer institutions.
William & Mary’s Gateway Initiative eliminates loans for Virginia students from families with incomes under $60,000, replacing them with grants. This program has helped reduce the debt burden for hundreds of students annually.
For middle-income families, the William & Mary Promise provides tuition predictability by guaranteeing that in-state tuition rates will not increase during a student’s four years.
Scholarship Opportunities
William & Mary offers numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships for incoming and continuing students.
The 1693 Scholars Program, the university’s most prestigious scholarship, covers full tuition, fees, room, and board.
Departmental scholarships are available in various fields of study, with particularly strong funding in:
| Department | Scholarship Amount Range | Number Available Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Business | $5,000-$25,000 | 45-60 |
| STEM | $3,500-$20,000 | 50-75 |
| Arts | $2,500-$15,000 | 30-40 |
The Monroe Scholars program provides research stipends of $3,000 to academically talented students. Recipients gain valuable research experience that enhances their post-graduation opportunities.
International students can access specific scholarships designed to promote global diversity on campus, with awards ranging from $10,000 to full tuition.
Return on Investment
William & Mary consistently ranks among the top 10 public universities for return on investment.
Graduates see an average starting salary of $67,500, with significant growth potential over their careers.
The 20-year ROI for William & Mary graduates averages $625,000, comparing favorably to many private institutions costing twice as much.
This strong return stems from the school’s academic rigor and employer recognition.
Key industries recruiting William & Mary graduates include:
- Financial services (average starting salary: $72,000)
- Government/public policy (average starting salary: $65,000)
- Technology (average starting salary: $80,000)
- Consulting (average starting salary: $75,000)
The school’s Career Center provides excellent placement support, with over 85% of students securing employment or graduate school admission within six months of graduation.
Alumni frequently cite the strong networking community as crucial to their professional success.
Campus Life and Student Satisfaction
William & Mary offers a vibrant campus experience that blends historical charm with modern amenities.
The university consistently ranks high in student satisfaction surveys, with over 92% of students reporting positive experiences with campus life in recent 2025 surveys.
Student Activities and Organizations
William & Mary boasts over 450 student organizations in 2025-2026, providing endless opportunities for involvement outside the classroom.
These range from academic clubs to recreational groups, ensuring every student finds their niche.
Popular Student Organizations:
- Student Assembly – The student government with significant campus influence
- Alma Mater Productions – Plans major campus events and concerts
- Club Sports (30+ teams) – From ultimate frisbee to equestrian
- Cultural Organizations – Celebrating diversity with 40+ identity-based groups
- Service Clubs – Contributing over 100,000 volunteer hours annually, reflecting a commitment to community engagement that rivals top public and 10 private institutions.
The university is known for its thriving performing arts scene, with student-run theater groups, a cappella ensembles, and dance companies.
In fact, William & Mary’s reputation for academic excellence is complemented by its rich extracurricular opportunities.
Student Satisfaction with Activities (2025):
| Aspect | Satisfaction Rate |
|---|---|
| Variety of Organizations | 94% |
| Quality of Events | 91% |
| Ease of Starting New Clubs | 89% |
| Funding Availability | 87% |
Residential Living
The residential experience at William & Mary combines historic architecture with modern amenities.
About 75% of undergraduates live on campus across 33 residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
First-year students are housed in one of the 10 freshman residence halls, many located in the historic area near the Wren Building.
Upper-class students can choose from various housing options, including:
- Language Houses – Immersive living for language learners
- Special Interest Communities – Themed living around shared interests
- Greek Housing – For the 30% of students involved in fraternities/sororities, this reflects a gap between graduates from Ivies and those from other institutions.
- Apartment-Style Lodging – More independent living for juniors/seniors
The College of William & Mary recently completed a $85 million renovation of several residence halls in 2024, enhancing living spaces with better technology, study areas, and sustainability features.
Students particularly appreciate the strong sense of community within dorms, making it a desirable choice among public colleges.
Resident Assistants organize regular events, from study breaks to cultural celebrations, fostering connections among residents at both public and private universities.
Community Engagement
William & Mary students are deeply involved in the Williamsburg community, contributing to the university’s reputation as one of the Forbes New Ivies for 2025.
The Office of Community Engagement coordinates hundreds of service opportunities.
Popular Community Programs:
- Branch Out – Alternative break service trips (domestic and international)
- College Partnership for Kids – Tutoring local children
- Community Engagement Courses – Over 75 classes with service-learning components
- Williamsburg-James City County Partnerships – Addressing local needs
In 2024-2025, William & Mary students contributed more than 350,000 service hours, making it one of the most engaged campuses among undergraduate institutions nationwide.
The university’s Local Engagement Initiative launched in 2024 provides $2,500 grants to students developing community-based projects.
This program has funded 45 student-led initiatives addressing issues from food insecurity to environmental conservation.
Student satisfaction surveys show 94% of students feel their experience at William & Mary has prepared them to be engaged citizens, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering civic responsibility alongside academic excellence.
Career Prospects and Alumni Success: The Brightest Students and Graduating with the Academic Excellence Employers Love
William & Mary’s strong reputation leads to exceptional career outcomes for graduates.
The university’s blend of rigorous academics, professional preparation, and extensive alumni connections creates substantial advantages for students entering the job market or pursuing advanced education.
Graduation Rates and Employment Statistics
William & Mary boasts impressive post-graduation outcomes that justify its inclusion in Forbes’ New Ivies list.
An outstanding 94% of W&M graduates find employment or enter graduate programs within six months of completing their degrees, significantly outpacing national averages.
The financial benefits are substantial too. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, W&M undergraduate alumni earn nearly 21% more than the national full-time mean salary.
This salary premium demonstrates the high value employers place on William & Mary degrees.
Key Employment Sectors for W&M Graduates (2024-2025):
- Government/Public Policy: 23%
- Business/Finance: 19%
- Education: 17%
- Healthcare/Sciences: 15%
- Technology: 12%
- Law/Legal Services: 9%
- Other fields: 5%
Alumni Networks and Resources
The William & Mary alumni network is exceptionally active and influential, providing current students with valuable mentorship and career opportunities.
W&M’s career-focused approach includes the Cohen Career Center, which offers personalized coaching, resume development, and interview preparation.
The center also hosts multiple career fairs annually, bringing more than 250 employers to campus specifically looking for W&M talent.
Alumni Engagement Programs:
- One Tribe One Day (annual giving day)
- Homecoming Weekend celebrations
- Professional networking events in major cities
- Industry-specific mentorship programs
- Alumni hiring initiatives with major employers
Graduate School Admissions
William & Mary graduates enjoy exceptional success in graduate school admissions, with acceptance rates well above national averages.
The university ranks in the top 10 nationwide for producing Fulbright Scholars in 2024-2025, demonstrating strong performance in prestigious competitive awards.
Pre-professional advising is particularly strong, with specialized guidance for pre-law, pre-health, and other graduate pathways. This support contributes to outstanding acceptance rates to top programs:
Graduate School Acceptance Rates (2024-2025):
| Program Type | W&M Acceptance Rate | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Law Schools | 87% | 69% |
| Medical Schools | 75% | 41% |
| Business Schools (Top 25) | 68% | 46% |
| PhD Programs | 72% | 53% |
The 25% application increase William & Mary has seen since 2020 reflects growing recognition of these impressive outcomes and the university’s rising reputation as a New Ivy.
Contributions to the Public Good
William & Mary stands out among Forbes’ New Ivies for its exceptional commitment to serving society.
The university combines traditional service values with modern approaches to sustainability, creating meaningful impact beyond campus borders.
Service Academies and Community Work
William & Mary students contribute over 245,000 hours of community service annually, making it one of the top service-oriented institutions in the Forbes New Ivies list.
The university’s Office of Community Engagement connects students with more than 90 local and international partners, enhancing their educational experience beyond what is typical at private colleges. where they can apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.
The school’s Public Service Fellowship Program provides funding for students to work with government agencies and nonprofits during summer breaks. In 2024-2025, the program expanded to include 35 new partner organizations across Virginia.
You’ll find William & Mary’s commitment to service reflected in its curriculum too. Over 65% of courses include community-based learning components where you’ll work directly with community partners on projects that benefit local residents.
Student-led initiatives like Branch Out have grown significantly, with participation increasing 28% since 2023. These programs address issues ranging from educational inequality to healthcare access.
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
William & Mary’s climate action plan has positioned it as a leader in campus sustainability among the Forbes New Ivies.
The university achieved carbon neutrality in early 2025, well ahead of most peer institutions. It did this through investments in renewable energy and carbon offset projects.
The Committee on Sustainability allocates over $350,000 annually for student and faculty-led green initiatives. Recent projects include:
- Installation of 12 new solar arrays across campus
- Development of a zero-waste dining program that diverts 92% of food waste from landfills
- Creation of the Green Career Mentorship Program connecting students with alumni in sustainability fields
The Student Environmental Action Coalition has grown to include more than 750 active members in 2025, making it one of the largest student organizations on campus, alongside those from public and 10 private universities.
You’ll benefit from William & Mary’s Living Laboratory initiative, where the campus itself becomes a testing ground for environmental solutions that are increasingly sought after by employers in the eyes of employers.
This program has secured $4.2 million in research grants since 2023. It provides valuable hands-on experience for students interested in environmental careers at public colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions: William and Mary Recognized as a Top Contender among the Best Colleges and Public Universities in 2025
William & Mary’s inclusion in the 2025 Forbes New Ivies list reflects its growing reputation among employers and its academic excellence.
The ranking positions this historic institution among elite schools offering exceptional education and career outcomes.
What criteria did Forbes use to rank William & Mary in the New Ivies 2025 list?
Forbes evaluated William & Mary based on several key metrics that employers value. These included academic rigor, post-graduation outcomes, and employer perception surveys.
The publication placed special emphasis on the historic charm and traditional college experience that William & Mary offers.
It noted its founding in 1693 makes it the second-oldest college in America.
Forbes also considered William & Mary’s 33% acceptance rate and median SAT score of 1410. This positioned it as a selective institution with high academic standards.
How did William & Mary’s position change in the Forbes New Ivies 2025 list compared to previous years?
William & Mary is new to the rankings this year, making its debut on the Forbes New Ivies 2025 list. This represents a significant achievement for the institution.
The college’s inclusion reflects a growing recognition of its academic excellence and the value employers place on its graduates.
William & Mary is one of 20 schools that made the prestigious list in 2025.
Prior to 2025, William & Mary was not featured in the Forbes New Ivies rankings, making this year’s inclusion a notable advancement in its national profile.
What are the implications of the Forbes New Ivies 2025 ranking for William & Mary’s academic reputation?
The Forbes ranking confirms William & Mary as a top-tier institution that provides education comparable to Ivy League schools. This reinforces its status as the Alma Mater of the Nation.
Students and parents considering William & Mary can feel confident that employers view its credentials highly. The ranking serves as external validation of the school’s academic quality.
The New Ivies designation is likely to increase application numbers and potentially improve the school’s selectivity in coming years. This could create a positive cycle that further enhances its reputation.
Which universities are William & Mary’s closest competitors in the Forbes New Ivies 2025 list?
William & Mary’s closest competitors include other public institutions with strong academic reputations such as the University of Virginia and University of Michigan.
These schools share similar profiles as selective public universities with strong employer recognition.
The University of Virginia, also located in Virginia, has a 21% acceptance rate and a median SAT of 1440, making it slightly more selective than William & Mary.
What factors contributed to William & Mary’s inclusion in the 2025 Forbes New Ivies list?
William & Mary’s Ivy-like charm was specifically mentioned by Forbes as a contributing factor. The college’s historic campus with “centuries-old brick buildings” creates an atmosphere similar to traditional Ivy League institutions.
The school’s liberal arts-focused curriculum was highlighted in Forbes’ data, which appeals to employers seeking graduates with strong critical thinking and communication skills.
The college’s established history as the second-oldest in America gives it prestige that newer institutions cannot match. Forbes noted this historical significance as part of William & Mary’s appeal.
How does the academic performance at William & Mary compare to that of the original Ivy League institutions according to Forbes 2025?
William & Mary’s median SAT score of 1410 and median ACT of 32 place it in a competitive position compared to some Ivy League schools. However, it is still below the most selective Ivies like Harvard and Yale.
The 33% acceptance rate at William & Mary is more accessible than most Ivy League schools. Typically, Ivy League schools have acceptance rates below 10%. This creates opportunities for talented students who might not gain admission to the most selective Ivies.
Forbes suggests that employers may actually prefer graduates from New Ivy institutions like William & Mary over traditional Ivy League graduates in some cases. They value their practical skills and work ethic.
All these prestigious qualifications make Forbes New Ivies 2025 William and Mary a perfect and competitive new comer into the New Ivies List and a wonderful opportunity for you to further explore and start preparing to apply to your dream college NOW!
