William & Mary (W&M) vs University of Vermont (UVM)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between William & Mary and the University of Vermont (UVM)?

  William & Mary is a smaller, public liberal arts university with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a historic, colonial setting. UVM is a larger, public research university with a broader range of programs, including strong offerings in environmental science and health sciences, located in a vibrant city known for its outdoor recreation.

• Which school is more selective: William & Mary or UVM?

  William & Mary is generally more selective than UVM. It typically has a lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students.

• How do the academic reputations of William & Mary and UVM compare?

  Both William & Mary and UVM are well-regarded institutions. William & Mary is known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in history, government, and law. UVM is recognized for its programs in environmental science, health sciences (especially nursing and medicine), and sustainable agriculture. Both offer a solid academic foundation.

• What is the typical campus environment like at each school?

  William & Mary offers a more traditional, historic campus environment in Williamsburg, Virginia, with a focus on undergraduate life and a strong sense of community. UVM provides a more urban campus experience in Burlington, Vermont, with access to city amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities in the surrounding Green Mountains and Lake Champlain.

• How do the costs of attending William & Mary and UVM compare?

  As public universities, both William & Mary and UVM offer lower tuition rates for in-state students. However, William & Mary tends to be slightly more expensive for out-of-state students than UVM. Be sure to check the most current tuition and fees on each university's website, and factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on your lifestyle.

• What are the popular majors at William & Mary and UVM?

  At William & Mary, popular majors include Government, History, Economics, Biology, and Psychology. At UVM, popular majors include Environmental Science, Biology, Nursing, Business Administration, and Political Science.

• What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

  William & Mary has a vibrant student life with a strong emphasis on traditions, student government, and a variety of clubs and organizations. UVM offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including outdoor adventure programs, a thriving arts scene, and numerous clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests.

• How do the locations of William & Mary and UVM affect the student experience?

  William & Mary's location in historic Williamsburg provides a unique and immersive experience, with opportunities to engage with American history and culture. UVM's location in Burlington offers access to a vibrant city with a thriving arts and music scene, as well as unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities.

• What are the career prospects like for graduates of William & Mary and UVM?

  Graduates from both William & Mary and UVM are well-prepared for a variety of careers. William & Mary graduates often pursue careers in law, government, business, and education. UVM graduates find opportunities in environmental science, healthcare, business, and technology. Both universities have strong alumni networks to support career development.

• Does one school have a stronger focus on research than the other?

  UVM, as a larger research university, generally has a stronger emphasis on research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students compared to William & Mary. While William & Mary also offers research opportunities, UVM's scale and resources provide a broader range of options.

• Which school is better for students interested in international studies?

  Both William & Mary and UVM offer study abroad programs and opportunities for international engagement. William & Mary has a strong reputation for its international relations program. UVM also offers diverse international programs, particularly related to environmental studies and global health.

• How do the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios compare?

  William & Mary generally has smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio than UVM, allowing for more personalized attention from professors. UVM, being a larger university, may have some larger introductory courses, but also offers smaller, more specialized classes as students progress in their studies.