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Lesley University vs Williams College

Lesley University is a private university in Cambridge, MA, and Williams College is a private college in Williamstown, MA. Williams College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 97% at Lesley University. Williams College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,716 a year against $31,152 at Lesley University. About 95% of students graduate at Williams College, compared with 60% at Lesley University. Ten years after enrolling, Williams College alumni earn a median of about $88,665, against $51,173 for Lesley University.

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA · Private

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Cambridge, MA
Williamstown, MA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,122
2,076
Acceptance rate
97%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1000–1210
1490–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,152
$17,716
Full cost / yr
$51,538
$84,860
In-state tuition
$34,256
$68,560
Out-of-state tuition
$34,256
$68,560
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$24,799
$0*
$30k - $48k
$24,044
$0*
$48k - $75k
$29,030
$0*
$75k - $110k
$33,201
$3,030
Over $110k
$35,152
$49,594
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
95%
Freshman retention
72%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,150
$71,754
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,173
$88,665
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$12,761
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
18%
First-generation students
29%
22%
International students
3%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Lesley University or Williams College harder to get into?
Williams College is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 97% at Lesley University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Lesley University or Williams College?
Williams College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,716 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $31,152 at Lesley University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Lesley University and Williams College?
Before aid, Lesley University costs about $51,538 a year and Williams College about $84,860. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Lesley University or Williams College?
Williams College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,610 there, against about $24,799 at Lesley University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lesley University or Williams College?
Williams College is the larger of the two, with about 2,076 undergraduates against 1,122 at Lesley University.
Does Lesley University or Williams College have a better graduation rate?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 60% at Lesley University.
Do graduates of Lesley University or Williams College earn more?
Williams College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,665 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,173 for Lesley University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lesley University and Williams College require SAT or ACT scores?
Lesley University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Williams College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Lesley University and Williams College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1000–1210 at Lesley University and 1490–1570 at Williams College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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