In the far north-west corner of Massachusetts, where the Berkshire hills meet Vermont and New York, Williams College has been teaching undergraduates since 1793. It is one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the US. Two things set it apart: Oxford-style tutorials, where two students work closely with one professor, and Winter Study, a January term for a single intensive course. Graduate study is limited to two small master's programmes.
Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States
Official website: williams.edu
1793
Private liberal arts college
Berkshire hills, Massachusetts
Meets full demonstrated need
$66,000 – $70,000
Undergraduate tuition, before financial aid
$17,000 – $19,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on williams.edu before you apply.
BA Economics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.5
BA Mathematics
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.5
BA Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.5
BA Political Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
TOEFL: 100, IELTS: 7.5
MA Policy Economics
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Jul
Exam Score
TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 7.0
Tutorial courses built on the Oxford model.
A January Winter Study term for one focused course.
An MA in Policy Economics for mid-career government economists.
Art museums on campus and at the Clark Art Institute.
Many graduates join consulting, finance and technology firms in New York and Boston.
A large share go on to graduate, law or medical school.
The policy economics MA returns officials to central banks and finance ministries.
Undergrad
Early or Regular Decision
Postgrad
Varies by programme
Williamstown is a small New England town of white churches, a short Spring Street of shops and cafés, and not much traffic. Students hike Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, and ski nearby in winter.
The nearest cities are Albany, about an hour away, and Boston, about three hours by car. Almost everyone lives on campus, and life revolves around the college.
Form I-20 issued by Williams College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Williams has Early Decision in mid-November and Regular Decision in early January. The MA in Policy Economics has its own timeline, usually closing in winter for a summer start.
Undergraduates start in September. The Policy Economics MA begins in the summer with preparatory work.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Williams College after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Economics, mathematics, computer science and political science are popular. Admission is highly selective, looking at top grades, recommendations, essays and English at TOEFL 100 or similar. The policy economics MA takes working economists nominated by or employed in government agencies.
Yes. Williams meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student, including international students, using grants rather than loans. Apply for aid at the same time you apply for admission.
