Williams seeks to provide the finest possible liberal arts education by nurturing in students the academic and civic virtues, and their related traits of character.

Established in 1793 with funds bequeathed by Colonel Ephraim Williams, the college is private, residential, and liberal arts, with graduate programs in the history of art and in development economics. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 2,000 students. Williams is committed to a need-blind admission policy by which it admits students without regard to their ability to pay, and commits to meeting 100 percent of each admitted student’s demonstrated financial need for four years. There are three academic divisions (humanities, sciences, social sciences), 24 departments, 33 majors, plus concentrations and special programs. The academic year consists of two four-course semesters plus a one-course January term. Fraternities were phased out beginning in 1962. Coeducation was adopted in 1970. Williams is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges and its faculty noted for the quality of their undergraduate teaching.

Liberal arts
Research and Teaching
Museum of Art
Athletics
Child Care Center
Sustainability