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William & Mary vs Hampden-Sydney College

William & Mary is a public university in Williamsburg, VA, and Hampden-Sydney College is a private college in Hampden-Sydney, VA. William & Mary is the more selective of the two, admitting about 34% of applicants against 41% at Hampden-Sydney College. William & Mary is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,096 a year against $22,400 at Hampden-Sydney College. About 90% of students graduate at William & Mary, compared with 64% at Hampden-Sydney College. Ten years after enrolling, William & Mary alumni earn a median of about $73,490, against $67,640 for Hampden-Sydney College.

William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA · Public

Hampden-Sydney College

Hampden-Sydney, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Williamsburg, VA
Hampden-Sydney, VA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
7,055
946
Acceptance rate
34%
41%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.36–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1400–1530
1030–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
23–28
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,096
$22,400
Full cost / yr
$43,035
$70,325
In-state tuition
$25,914
$54,550
Out-of-state tuition
$51,038
$54,550
Application fee
$75
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,106
$13,422
$30k - $48k
$881
$12,458
$48k - $75k
$5,916
$17,547
$75k - $110k
$16,803
$22,600
Over $110k
$34,370
$32,133
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
64%
Freshman retention
95%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,959
$55,846
Median earnings (10 yr)
$73,490
$67,640
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
23%
First-generation students
13%
Not reported
International students
3%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Oct 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Jan 5
Feb 1

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 William & Mary or Hampden-Sydney College harder to get into?
William & Mary is harder to get into. It admits about 34% of applicants, compared with 41% at Hampden-Sydney College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, William & Mary or Hampden-Sydney College?
William & Mary is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,096 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,400 at Hampden-Sydney College. 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 William & Mary and Hampden-Sydney College?
Before aid, William & Mary costs about $43,035 a year and Hampden-Sydney College about $70,325. 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, William & Mary or Hampden-Sydney College?
William & Mary. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,106 there, against about $13,422 at Hampden-Sydney College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, William & Mary or Hampden-Sydney College?
William & Mary is the larger of the two, with about 7,055 undergraduates against 946 at Hampden-Sydney College.
Does William & Mary or Hampden-Sydney College have a better graduation rate?
William & Mary has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 64% at Hampden-Sydney College.
Do graduates of William & Mary or Hampden-Sydney College earn more?
William & Mary alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,490 ten years after enrolling, against about $67,640 for Hampden-Sydney College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do William & Mary and Hampden-Sydney College require SAT or ACT scores?
William & Mary is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hampden-Sydney College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do William & Mary and Hampden-Sydney College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1400–1530 at William & Mary and 1030–1250 at Hampden-Sydney College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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