Founded in 1693, William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of only eight universities designated as a "Public Ivy." Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, it offers a comprehensive liberal arts and sciences education through more than 115 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. The university is recognized for its academic rigor, ranking #2 among public schools for undergraduate teaching in the 2026 U.S. News rankings.
The university comprises several schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences, the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, the School of Education, and the Law School - the nation's oldest. Approximately 45% of students major in STEM fields. William & Mary also holds the #6 ranking from The Princeton Review for best public school for internships and leads the nation in study abroad participation.
William & Mary has a distinctive place in American history. The institution pioneered the elective system of study and an honor code in 1779 and established Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's first Greek-letter society. Its alumni and historical associations include close ties to America's founding era.
