Financial aid packages often include several components. Here's a quick introduction to the kinds of support we offer and the financing options available to you.
Grants and Scholarships
All financial aid from Williams comes in the form of grants from the college, along with federal and state support. These grants do not need to be repaid.
Williams is famous for our Book Grant, which covers the full cost of all required textbooks and course materials for every aided student...no matter which classes you take.
If you receive outside scholarships (from community organizations, national competitions, etc.), they can be used to purchase a new computer. After that, any leftover amount will be applied to reduce your Williams grants.
Student Loans
Williams students are not asked to take out loans as part of our financial aid program. All students have the opportunity to borrow as a financing option, but loans will never be packaged in your financial aid award from Williams.
Student Jobs
Williams is the only college in the country that does not expect students to work on campus or during the summer as part of their financial aid award. Students still have the choice to work and campus jobs opportunities are plentiful, but we encourage every student to find the dynamic that works best for them.
Options for Financing Your Education
Payment Plans
The Williams Payment Plan allows families to spread payments over four or five equal monthly installments with zero interest, instead of twice a year before the start of each term. For more information, visit the Student Accounts website.
Parent Loans
The federal PLUS Loan can help your family pay educational expenses not covered by other forms of financial aid, with a fixed interest rate and flexible loan limits. The repayment period can be up to 10 years after you’ve received the full loan amount.
The PLUS Loan program is available to parents (including step-parents) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Learn more and find current interest rates at https://studentaid.ed.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus.