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Williams College vs Worcester State University

Williams College is a private college in Williamstown, MA, and Worcester State University is a public university in Worcester, MA. Williams College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 8% of applicants against 88% at Worcester State University. Worcester State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,381 a year against $17,716 at Williams College. About 95% of students graduate at Williams College, compared with 58% at Worcester State University. Ten years after enrolling, Williams College alumni earn a median of about $88,665, against $60,624 for Worcester State University.

Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Williamstown, MA
Worcester, MA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,076
3,930
Acceptance rate
8%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1490–1570
1026–1283
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
22–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,716
$13,381
Full cost / yr
$84,860
$22,874
In-state tuition
$68,560
$11,786
Out-of-state tuition
$68,560
$17,866
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$8,793
$30k - $48k
$0*
$9,629
$48k - $75k
$0*
$9,540
$75k - $110k
$3,030
$13,658
Over $110k
$49,594
$19,679
Outcomes
Graduation rate
95%
58%
Freshman retention
97%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$71,754
$50,233
Median earnings (10 yr)
$88,665
$60,624
Median debt at graduation
$12,761
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
30%
First-generation students
22%
36%
International students
9%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 5
May 1

* 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 Williams College or Worcester State University harder to get into?
Williams College is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 88% at Worcester State 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, Williams College or Worcester State University?
Worcester State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,381 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,716 at Williams 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 Williams College and Worcester State University?
Before aid, Worcester State University costs about $22,874 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, Williams College or Worcester State University?
Williams College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,610 there, against about $8,793 at Worcester State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Williams College or Worcester State University?
Worcester State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,930 undergraduates against 2,076 at Williams College.
Does Williams College or Worcester State University have a better graduation rate?
Williams College has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 58% at Worcester State University.
Do graduates of Williams College or Worcester State University earn more?
Williams College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,665 ten years after enrolling, against about $60,624 for Worcester State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Williams College and Worcester State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Williams College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Worcester State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Williams College and Worcester State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1490–1570 at Williams College and 1026–1283 at Worcester State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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