With a combination of high-quality academics and impressive career outcomes, Williams College is one of the highest-rated liberal arts schools in Money's rankings. Among its standout traits: plenty of personalized attention (the student-faculty ratio is a low 6:1) and an innovative tutorial system, modeled after Oxford University's style, that pairs two students who meet weekly to develop and critique independent work under the leadership of a professor.
The system apparently works: 95% of students graduate within six years, and the median salary 10 years after enrollment is $88,665.
Williams College has a robust financial aid program. It meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, with no student loans or work-study expectation. It's also one of the few colleges in the country that guarantees free textbooks and course materials to students who receive financial aid.
Located amid Massachusetts' Berkshire Mountains, the campus boasts a rich campus life. Despite its small size — fewer than 2,100 students are enrolled — the campus is home to Williamstown Theatre Festival, and there are over 200 student-run organizations on campus.
