Williams vs. Worcester State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Williams College in Williamstown, MA with Worcester State University in Worcester, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Worcester State University is larger than Williams based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 2,164 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Williams College is located in Williamstown, MA (Distant Town setting); Worcester State University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Williams College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Williams College 6:1; Worcester State University 16:1.

Williams vs. Worcester State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Williams or Worcester State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Worcester State University than Williams ($12,778 vs. $15,894).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 17.1% lower than at Williams College ($14,307 vs. $17,260).
• Williams College is 481.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $56,774 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 283.7% higher at Williams than at Worcester State University (about $50,694 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Worcester State University than at Williams College (80% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Williams College students is 628.7% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($68,966 vs. $9,464).

Williams vs. Worcester State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Williams or Worcester State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Worcester State University and Williams.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Williams College (1530) is 380 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Williams College 1490/1570; Worcester State University 1026/1283.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Williams College 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Williams - Test optional; Worcester State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Williams Jan 10, 2027; Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Williams students have a 0.64 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than Williams (8.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43% at Williams vs. 16.7% at Worcester State University.

Williams vs. Worcester State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Williams and Worcester State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Williams College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Williams College earn a median of about $24,400 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,600 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Williams College graduates have a $5,418 lower median loan debt than Worcester State University graduates ($14,582 vs. $20,000).
• Among borrowers, Williams graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Worcester State University graduates ($150 vs. $206).
• More Williams graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.