William & Mary Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on July 27, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~34%
- Middle 50% ACT: 33-35
- Middle 50% SAT: 1420-1520
- Average GPA: 4.16-4.51
Quick heads-up before you dig in: William & Mary plays by different rules than the big merit-heavy state schools. It’s one of the most selective public universities in the country (about a third of applicants get in), it reads applications holistically, and it’s fully test-optional — roughly 40% of admitted students never submitted a score. So if those published SAT/ACT ranges look intimidating, remember they only reflect the students who chose to send scores. The bigger mindset shift for parents: this is a need-based-first school. The average merit award is only about $6,800 a year, so the affordability story here runs through financial aid, not scholarship stacking.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 William & Mary at a Glance
- “Automatic” means automatically considered — not guaranteed. Every applicant is reviewed for W&M’s named merit awards with no separate application, but there are no GPA/test cutoffs that lock in money. Selection is competitive.
- The admission deadline IS the scholarship deadline. There’s no separate scholarship application or priority date — miss the January 5 application deadline and you’ve missed merit consideration entirely.
- W&M requires BOTH the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. Many public universities only ask for the FAFSA. Skip the CSS Profile here and your student can miss out on institutional need-based aid — the biggest pot of money on campus.
- Don’t build your budget around merit. With average merit around $6,800/year and the big named awards going to a small handful of students, run the Net Price Calculator and plan around the need-based package. Merit here is a bonus, not a plan.
- One award actually favors out-of-state families. The Provost Scholar Award ($10,000/year) goes only to incoming out-of-state students — a rare setup worth knowing if you’re applying from outside Virginia.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — William & Mary is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 33-35; SAT: 1420-1520.
Average net price? About $19,686/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — institutional waivers available.
W&M Financial Aid - Merit Awards for Incoming First-Year Students: https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/merit/
W&M Financial Aid - Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship & Memorial Program: https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/department-awards/wm-eacasmp/
W&M - WMSURE / William & Mary Scholars: https://www.wm.edu/as/wmsure/wm-scholars/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at William & Mary 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $27,235 | $54,249 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $17,653 | $17,653 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $44,888 | $71,902 |
Average Federal Net Price: $19,686 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Unlike some public universities, William & Mary does not offer regional tuition reciprocity or broad out-of-state waivers. The two real levers for non-residents are the Provost Scholar Award ($10,000/year, out-of-state students only) and the 1693 Scholars Program (partial cost coverage for out-of-state winners). Beyond that, need-based aid is available to out-of-state families too — but the gap between in-state and out-of-state sticker price is real, so run the Net Price Calculator with clear eyes before falling in love.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at William & Mary
Why is the average net price so much lower than the sticker price?
Because W&M puts most of its money into need-based aid. The federal average net price of roughly $19,700 reflects what families
actually paid after grants and scholarships. Families with demonstrated need often pay far less than sticker; families
without need should expect to pay close to the published total, since merit awards here are modest.
Why does W&M require the CSS Profile on top of the FAFSA?
The FAFSA qualifies your student for federal aid, but W&M uses the CSS Profile to award its own institutional grants — the
larger pool of money. Both forms are required. Skipping the CSS Profile is one of the most expensive mistakes a family can
make at this school.
Can out-of-state students get in-state tuition through a waiver or exchange program?
No. W&M doesn’t participate in a broad regional reciprocity program, and there’s no waiver that converts out-of-state students
to in-state rates. Out-of-state costs come down through need-based aid, the Provost Scholar Award, or the 1693 Scholars Program.
Are housing and meal costs the same for in-state and out-of-state students?
Yes — the residency difference is entirely in tuition. Housing and dining run the same for everyone, and the figures here
reflect typical on-campus housing with a standard meal plan. Specific room types and plans can shift the number up or down.
Why aren’t books and personal expenses in the total?
Because W&M only bills you directly for tuition, fees, housing, and dining. Indirect costs like books, travel, and personal
spending vary by student, so they’re kept separate — but budget a few thousand a year for them.
Does financial aid cover the out-of-state difference?
It can help significantly. W&M awards need-based aid to out-of-state families too, and gift aid can be substantial for
high-need students. But aid is calculated against your demonstrated need — not against the sticker gap — so two families
at the same income can see very different bottom lines. The Net Price Calculator is your best first step.
https://www.wm.edu/admission/tuition/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
📅 W&M Scholarship Timeline (Simple Version)
- November 1: Early Decision I deadline (binding — an admissions strategy, not a scholarship one).
- January 5: Regular Decision & ED II deadline — this is also the merit deadline, since every applicant is reviewed for named awards from the admission file.
- February 1: FAFSA priority date. Have the CSS Profile in by then too.
- March: 1693 Scholars finalists notified and invited to complete additional steps.
Parent rule of thumb: at W&M, there is no separate scholarship paperwork to chase. The application itself is the scholarship application — so make it count, and get the two aid forms in on time.
Automatic Merit Scholarships — William & Mary
Note: The James Monroe Scholars Program is an enrichment award (research stipends of $1,500–$4,000, priority registration, special housing) — not a tuition discount. The William & Mary Scholars Award covers full in-state tuition and fees, with top consideration going to first-generation and Pell-eligible students. The Provost Scholar Award ($10,000/year) is reserved for incoming out-of-state students.
Automatic Merit — FAQs (William & Mary)
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. Every first-year applicant is automatically reviewed for the James Monroe Scholars, Provost Scholar, and William & Mary
Scholars awards. Winners are typically notified with or shortly after their admission offer.
Is there a GPA or test score that guarantees an award?
No — and this is the biggest difference from merit-heavy state schools. W&M has no published cutoffs. Awards come out of
holistic admission review, so strong essays and a compelling overall application matter as much as numbers.
What does the James Monroe Scholars Program actually pay for?
It’s a research and enrichment award, not tuition money: a $1,500 first-year summer research stipend, a $4,000 stipend in the
sophomore or junior year, special housing, and priority registration. Roughly 10% of accepted first-year students are selected.
Who gets the William & Mary Scholars Award?
A competitive group of academically distinguished students, with top consideration for first-generation and limited-income
(Pell-eligible) students. It covers at least full in-state tuition and fees, renews for four years, and connects scholars to
the WMSURE undergraduate research program. Most awards go to Virginia residents, with a handful out-of-state.
My student is out-of-state — what’s realistic?
The Provost Scholar Award ($10,000/year for up to four years) goes only to incoming out-of-state students, and out-of-state
applicants are also in the running for Monroe and 1693. But with out-of-state sticker above $70,000, treat merit as a partial
offset and lean on the Net Price Calculator.
Does W&M superscore for scholarships?
Yes — W&M superscores both the ACT and SAT, and it’s fully test-optional. Since merit review comes from the admission file,
the same testing policy applies to scholarship consideration.
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/merit/
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/
https://www.wm.edu/as/wmsure/wm-scholars/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at W&M?
| Aid Type | Stacks with Merit? | W&M Parent Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Named Merit Awards | Generally yes, with a cap | The W&M Scholars Award can combine with other aid, but total awards in any year can’t exceed W&M’s full cost of education. |
| Merit + Need-Based Aid | Usually offsets | Merit typically reduces your need-based package rather than adding on top of it. If your family qualifies for strong need-based aid, a small merit award may not change your bottom line much. |
| Monroe Research Stipends | Yes | These are enrichment stipends, not tuition awards — they ride alongside whatever else your student receives. |
| Outside / Private Scholarships | Yes — report them | W&M actively encourages outside scholarships, but you must report them, and they may adjust the aid package. Small local awards add up here. |
| ROTC | Often yes | Army ROTC scholarships are available at W&M and can substantially change the math — check the award letter for how it integrates with other aid. |
The honest framing: if your student is chasing large, stat-based competitive scholarships, W&M isn’t built that way. But if they’re a genuinely exceptional applicant — top of the class, real leadership, a story worth telling — the 1693 is one of the best scholarship packages at any public university, and everyone who applies by January 5 is in the running.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How do you apply for the 1693 Scholars Program?
You don’t — at least not at first. Every first-year applicant who applies by January 5 is automatically
reviewed. From there, about 200 semi-finalists are invited to submit an additional essay and a short video; roughly 15
finalists complete a virtual interview with two alumni, a faculty-panel presentation, and an on-campus Finalist Weekend.
What does the 1693 Scholarship actually cover?
For in-state students, it’s a full ride: tuition, fees, housing, and dining. Out-of-state winners receive partial cost
coverage. All 1693 Scholars also receive a $5,000 grant for an independent project, plus faculty mentoring.
How many students win?
Approximately 8–9 per entering class (9 were selected for the 2026 cohort). Finalists typically rank in the top 5% of
their class with a 1500+ SAT or 33+ ACT — though W&M remains test-optional even at this level.
Is W&M a Stamps Scholarship partner?
Yes — W&M’s Stamps connection runs through the 1693 program (Stamps 1693 Scholars), tying winners into the national
Stamps Scholars network.
Does W&M offer a National Merit package?
No — W&M does not sponsor National Merit awards. Strong students compete for the 1693 and the named merit awards instead.
What can families do to improve the odds?
Since selection starts from the admission file, the essays carry real weight. Our Essay Toolkit
and Brag Sheet Builder can help your student organize achievements and write responses
that stand out in holistic review.
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/merit/
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/
Does William & Mary Have an Honors College?
Short answer: no — and that’s on purpose. Many big universities build an honors college to carve out a small-school experience inside a large one: smaller classes, closer faculty contact, research access. William & Mary is already that small school. With about 7,000 undergraduates and a national reputation for undergraduate teaching, the whole university operates the way an honors college does elsewhere — so there’s no separate gate to apply through.
Instead of one honors college, the honors-style experience at W&M is spread across a few programs your student should know about:
- Departmental Honors: Strong students complete a senior honors thesis in their major — a year-long research project defended before faculty. It’s earned inside the department, not through a separate honors track.
- James Monroe Scholars: W&M’s closest thing to an honors cohort — about 10% of admitted first-years, selected automatically, with research stipends, special housing, priority registration, and dedicated seminars.
- WMSURE: The W&M Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience, tied to the William & Mary Scholars Award — faculty mentoring and research support, with a focus on first-generation and underrepresented students.
- 1693 Scholars: The most selective tier — a scholars community of 8–9 students per class with individual faculty mentors and $5,000 in independent project funding.
At most state schools, you apply to the honors college to get the small-class, research-heavy experience. At W&M, that experience is the default — and the “honors” designations (Monroe, W&M Scholars, 1693) are handed out by the admission committee, not applied for separately. One more reason the application itself deserves your student’s best work.
Honors-Track FAQs (William & Mary)
Is there anything to apply for separately?
Not at the first-year stage. Monroe, W&M Scholars, and 1693 selections all come out of the regular admission review.
Departmental honors (the senior thesis) is something students pursue later, within their major.
Does “no honors college” mean fewer opportunities?
The opposite, in practice. Because there’s no honors gate, research opportunities, small seminars, and faculty access are
open to any motivated student — not reserved for an honors roster.
What does an honors thesis get my student?
Graduating “with Honors” in the major, a substantial piece of original research, and a serious edge for graduate school —
one reason W&M ranks #1 among public universities for the share of alumni who go on to earn PhDs.
Can out-of-state students land in these scholar programs?
Yes. Monroe and 1693 consider all applicants; the W&M Scholars Award leans in-state but makes a handful of out-of-state
awards each year.
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/merit/
https://www.wm.edu/as/wmsure/wm-scholars/
⭐ College Specialty
William & Mary is the second-oldest college in America (chartered 1693) and calls itself the “alma mater of the nation” — Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler all studied here. But the modern story is what matters at the kitchen table: a public university that teaches like a private liberal arts college, ranked among the very best in the country for undergraduate teaching, with a track record of sending graduates to top careers and graduate programs. It ranks #1 among public universities for the percentage of alumni who go on to earn PhDs.
Government & International Relations — With Washington, D.C. a short drive away and a deep alumni network in public service, W&M is one of the country’s premier launching pads for careers in government, diplomacy, policy, and the foreign service. If your student talks about the State Department, think tanks, or law school with a policy bent, this is a signature fit.
- Business (Mason School): A highly regarded undergraduate business program with strong placement in finance, consulting, and accounting — students apply into the major after arriving.
- Marine Science: Through the Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), W&M offers coastal and marine research access few universities can match — a genuine differentiator for science-minded students.
- Computer Science: A growing strength, pairing rigorous CS training with W&M’s liberal arts core — a combination employers increasingly seek.
- Reputation Beyond Undergrad: W&M’s Law School is the oldest in America (founded 1779) — a graduate program, but part of why the W&M name carries weight in legal and government circles.
🔗 Official William & Mary Links
Use W&M’s official university resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship and aid policies, costs, and key data. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines, award terms, and official institutional information.
-
Undergraduate Admission:
https://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/ -
Dates & Deadlines:
https://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/how-to-apply/datesdeadlines/ -
Financial Aid Office:
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/ -
Scholarships Overview:
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/ -
Merit Awards for First-Year Students:
https://www.wm.edu/admission/financialaid/types/scholarships/merit/ -
Tuition, Fees & Net Price Calculators:
https://www.wm.edu/admission/tuition/ -
Common Data Set (Institutional Data):
https://www.wm.edu/offices/ir/university_data/cds/