Williams College vs Boston University
Williams College is extremely selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Boston University (10.8%). Graduates of Williams College earn $5,427 more per year at the 10-year mark ($88,665 vs $83,238). For families earning $48k–$75k, Williams College is more affordable at $-123 net price vs $13,639. Students at Williams College graduate with less debt ($12,761 vs $23,250).
Admissions & Outcomes
Williams College has a higher yield rate (47.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Williams College has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1470).
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Williams College is more affordable at $-2,421 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $48,374 vs $48,018.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Boston University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (18%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Williams College
- 1 Computer Science$96,183
- 2 Economics$76,460
- 3 Social Sciences, Other$68,219
- 4 Mathematics$53,358
- 5 Political Science and Government$51,482
Boston University
- 1 Computer Science$84,994
- 2 Computer Engineering$82,440
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,829
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$68,858
- 5 Biomedical/Medical Engineering$67,660
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Williams College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 English Language and Literature, General
- 5 Fine and Studio Arts
Boston University
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Economics
- 5 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Williams College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$50,450
- Est. total cost/year$63,520
- School typePublic
Boston University
- International students29%
- Tuition (international)$56,854
- Est. total cost/year$74,712
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 29% international enrollment, Boston University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Williams College or Boston University?
Williams College is more selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, compared to 10.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Williams College or Boston University?
Williams College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $88,665 compared to $83,238. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Williams College or Boston University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Williams College has a lower net price at $-123 per year vs $13,639. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Williams College vs Boston University?
Williams College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.5%, compared to 90.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Williams College or Boston University?
Boston University has a larger international student population at 29% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Williams College and Boston University?
At Williams College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $96,183 within two years. At Boston University, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $84,994. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.