Both Union College and Williams College are respected liberal arts schools, but they rank differently in national standings. Williams College is considered one of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States. It has held the #1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s National Liberal Arts Colleges list every year since 2004, which shows its strong academic reputation. In contrast, Union College is respected but ranks more modestly. According to recent U.S. News rankings, it placed around #40 among national liberal arts colleges. This puts Union in the upper tier of liberal arts schools, though not as high as Williams.

Both colleges have also received recognition in other rankings. Forbes magazine’s 2025 “Top Colleges” list, which ranks universities and colleges nationally, placed Williams at #7 and Union at #148, highlighting Williams’ stronger national presence. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings show a similar trend: Williams ranked around 108th nationally in 2024, based on student outcomes and learning environment. In contrast, Union fell outside the top 100, ranking roughly in the 130s to 180s range in similar WSJ listings. These differences in rankings highlight Williams’ elite academic standing, while Union remains a notable choice among high-quality liberal arts colleges.

Both schools are accredited liberal arts colleges focused on undergraduate education, each with its own strengths. For instance, Union is one of the few top-tier liberal arts colleges that offer ABET-accredited engineering programs, which has brought it specific recognition; in fact, Union was the first liberal arts college to offer engineering in 1845. In U.S. News specialty rankings of engineering programs at schools that do not grant doctorates, Union’s engineering program has been ranked among the top 25 nationally. Meanwhile, Williams is known for its overall excellence in undergraduate academics, including its unique Oxford-style tutorial system and strong programs in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. In summary, Williams has a higher overall prestige in rankings and reputation. However, Union maintains a strong position as a competitive liberal arts college, particularly with its focus on engineering, and is viewed positively within its peer group.

‍Scale: Both schools are essentially the same size - Union enrolls about 2,110 undergraduates, Williams roughly 2,060.

‍National prestige: U.S. News 2024 ranks Williams #1 among liberal-arts colleges; Union is tied at #40.
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• Forbes places Williams #7 nationally, Union #148.
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 lists Williams #108, Union around #185.

‍Financial resources: Williams’ endowment reached ~$3.66 billion in FY-24, yielding an estimated $1.4–2 million per student. Union’s endowment stands at ~$0.50 billion, or about $240,000 per student


‍Faculty Quality and Student-Faculty Ratio

‍Both colleges take pride in their excellent faculty and small class sizes, though Williams has a slight advantage in student-faculty ratio. Williams College has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for very small classes and close interaction between students and faculty. Williams employs around 356 instructional faculty, with 97% holding a doctorate or terminal degree in their field. This low ratio and highly qualified faculty support the intensive mentoring and the tutorial system that Williams is known for. Union College also offers an intimate academic environment with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Union has about 219 faculty members, 97% of whom have earned a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field, which is similar to the level of training at Williams. In practice, Union keeps its classes small as well, with introductory courses averaging about 24 students and upper-level classes around 14 students. 

Both institutions focus on teaching quality. Undergraduates are taught by professors, not grad students, and the accessibility of faculty is a key feature. Union students report that professors are “high-quality...often happy to help and available to chat,” which creates a supportive academic atmosphere. Williams’ faculty are also well-regarded, and the college’s tutorial program, which pairs two students with one professor, shows the commitment of faculty and engagement of students. Another sign of faculty quality is the student experience: at Williams, over 80% of alumni who participated in the tutorial program rated it as “the most valuable of my courses,” highlighting the impact of faculty mentorship. At Union, 76% of incoming students were in the top 20% of their high school class. This means faculty work with very capable students, and faculty-student collaborations have been described as the “linchpin” of a Union education. Both colleges have excellent faculty credentials and prioritize close teaching, with Williams offering a lower student-faculty ratio and long-standing traditions, like tutorials, that enhance faculty-student engagement. Union, on the other hand, maintains strong faculty quality while also providing specialized programs, such as engineering, that benefit from professors who combine liberal arts teaching with technical expertise.


‍Student Outcomes: Graduation, Placement, and Earnings

‍Students at both Williams and Union have strong outcomes, including high graduation rates and successful placements in jobs or graduate schools. Williams College shines in traditional metrics, boasting a nearly 94% six-year graduation rate for undergraduates; this is one of the highest in the nation and reflects strong student support and satisfaction. In comparison, Union College’s graduation rates, while slightly lower, are still impressive. About 87% of Union students graduate within six years, with roughly 75% finishing in four years. These figures place Union in the top ten percent of colleges for graduation rates, showing that most students persist and complete their degrees on time. Retention rates for first-year students are also strong at both schools, typically well over 90%; this suggests students are satisfied with their choice.

Regarding post-graduation results, recent graduates from Williams have shared excellent news. A survey of the Williams Class of 2022, with an approximately 80% response rate, found that 92% had secured their first destination—employment, graduate school, or prestigious fellowship—within six months of graduation. Specifically, about 75% were employed full-time in various industries, and 13% were enrolled in graduate or professional school, with a small group (5%) earning major fellowships. The average total compensation for Williams graduates entering the workforce was around $93,000, with jobs in tech and finance often offering starting salaries well into six figures. These outcomes highlight the value of a Williams education. As the director of Williams’ career center remarked, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of a Williams liberal arts degree in today’s job market. Additionally, Williams students benefit from experiential learning; 81% had at least one internship during college, and 69% had two or more. This contributes to strong job placements through skill development and networking—77% of graduates connected with Williams alumni to secure internships or jobs.

Union College also reports positive results for its graduates. Data from the Union Class of 2022 show that about 92% were employed, attending graduate school, or engaged in fellowships or other activities within six months, with around 69-70% employed full-time and about 18% in graduate studies. Only around 8% were still seeking opportunities six months after graduation. This matches Williams’ overall 92% placement rate, though with a slightly higher percentage pursuing graduate education. Union graduates enter many fields, with top industries including education, healthcare, technology, engineering, finance, and law. Career surveys indicate that nearly 80% of Union alumni believe their education helped them launch their careers, and over 85% report satisfaction with their work, a rate higher than other institutions, according to Union’s Career Center. This suggests Union alumni feel prepared and successful in their chosen paths.

In terms of earnings, graduates from both colleges do well, reflecting the quality of students and career preparation. According to U.S. Department of Education data, median earnings ten years after graduation—around mid-career for bachelor’s graduates—are nearly identical for both schools: approximately $88,600 per year for Williams graduates and $88,600 per year for Union graduates on average. These figures, which greatly exceed the national median of around $54,000, highlight the strong return on investment for both institutions. Some sources report slightly different early-career medians. Money.com, for instance, estimates early-career earnings for Union alumni at about $75,000, possibly reflecting a mix of those who attend graduate school first, while Williams alumni average around $88,700. In both cases, graduates from both colleges significantly outperform national averages. Notably, Union’s inclusion of engineering and computer science programs likely boosts its alumni earnings, while many economics and finance graduates from Williams also command high salaries. Forbes recognized Williams among liberal arts colleges with strong graduate earnings, noting median alumni incomes near six figures in certain fields. Meanwhile, Union’s combination of technical and liberal arts education has led to outcomes like an 87% medical school acceptance rate in some years, particularly for pre-med graduates, and strong placements in engineering firms and graduate programs. Union alumni frequently attend top graduate schools such as Columbia, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania for business, law, and medicine.

In conclusion, Williams has a slight advantage in graduation rates and possibly initial job placement rates, reflecting its highly selective student body. However, Union’s outcomes are close behind and solid for a liberal arts college. Union graduates are successful in the job market and in gaining admission to graduate and professional schools. By mid-career, their earnings are comparable to those of Williams graduates, demonstrating that Union provides an education that produces competitive and high-achieving alumni. Both institutions clearly fulfill their promise of strong student outcomes, preparing students for rewarding careers and further education.


‍Campus Culture and Student Life

‍Despite both having a liberal arts mission, Union and Williams have unique campus cultures influenced by their history and surroundings. Williams College, situated in rural Williamstown, Massachusetts, provides a traditional New England liberal arts experience in a small-town atmosphere. With around 2,000 undergraduates living in the Berkshire Mountains, the environment feels close-knit and centered on campus. Almost all students reside on campus, creating a strong sense of community and tradition. Williams does not have fraternities or sororities; it abolished them in the 1960s when it became coeducational. This means social life here revolves around residential living, student-run groups (over 230 clubs), athletics, and college-sponsored events. Quirky traditions, such as the annual Mountain Day, provide surprise days off for outdoor activities, and a strong culture of participation prevails. The majority of students engage in extracurricular activities or varsity teams, with about 30% participating in varsity sports, as Williams excels in Division III athletics. The student body is diverse and inclusive, with around 40-42% identifying as U.S. students of color, about 9-11% international students, and a balanced gender ratio. Williams promotes a culture of intellectual collaboration; students value academics and support each other through demanding coursework, such as the well-known tutorials. This shared experience fosters a sense of privilege and responsibility among those attending a top college. The rural location means that most student activities are based on campus, with art exhibitions, performances, guest lectures, and the Williams College Museum of Art, alongside the Williamstown Theatre Festival, offering rich cultural experiences either on campus or nearby. The college’s residential system, which includes features like entries and junior advisors in first-year dorms, aims to build community and mentorship. Overall, Williams’ campus culture is close-knit, academically rigorous, and filled with tradition, balancing academics, athletics, and the arts within a supportive residential environment.

Union College, located in Schenectady, New York, presents a different yet vibrant social scene shaped by its mix of historic Greek life and the “House System.” Union is known as the “Mother of Fraternities,” as several of the earliest American Greek-letter fraternities were established there in the 19th century. Greek life still plays a role in campus social life; about 24% of men and 33% of women participate in fraternities or sororities (as of 2021). These organizations host social events, provide service opportunities, and create networking possibilities. However, Union’s administration has also fostered an inclusive social structure through the Minerva Houses. These residentially integrated hubs were introduced in the mid-2000s to ensure that all students, regardless of Greek affiliation, have community spaces. Each Union student is randomly assigned to one of seven Minerva Houses, which host lectures, dinners, and events. This dual system allows Union to balance traditional college social life with inclusive programming.

Union’s student culture is often described as active and multidisciplinary. Many students double-major or engage in a range of activities; for example, it is common to find an engineering student involved in music or a political science major conducting neuroscience research. Union’s trimester system, which consists of three 10-week terms, along with an extended winter break, creates opportunities for mini-terms abroad or internships. Studying abroad is popular, with around 60% of students participating at some point, reflecting a sense of adventure.

Similarly, undergraduate research is an essential part of life at Union; 80% of students take part in faculty-mentored research before graduation, often culminating in an annual campus-wide research event called the Steinmetz Symposium, where students present their projects. These academic opportunities blend with student life, as do Union’s strong traditions. For instance, the spring term features Celebrate Union day and homecoming-like events. The historic Nott Memorial in the center of campus symbolizes Union’s heritage and acts as a gathering point for the community.

Regarding social life logistics, Union offers a mixed residential setup. Many students live on campus all four years, as housing is guaranteed. The options include theme houses, Greek houses for upperclass members, and traditional dorms. The campus is also a cozy 100 acres, featuring beautiful gardens, like Jackson’s Garden, alongside modern facilities within a small city. Schenectady provides off-campus dining, entertainment, and internship opportunities, given its close proximity to Albany and tech companies in New York’s "Tech Valley." Thus, Union students have access to more urban amenities compared to Williams, all while living in a contained campus environment.

In terms of diversity, Union has become more inclusive over time. The incoming Class of 2029 includes about 38-44% domestic students of color (depending on classification) and approximately 6% international students. About 23% are first-generation college students, indicating a commitment to diversity. A distinctive feature of Union’s culture is the coexistence of engineering and STEM fields with liberal arts. Students often collaborate across disciplines; for example, an electrical engineering major might share a room with an English major. This mix enriches campus culture with a practical and well-rounded perspective. Union’s motto, “Under the laws of Minerva, we all become brothers and sisters,” reflects a sense of community. In summary, Union’s campus life is lively and diverse. It is rooted in tradition, from Greek life to longstanding academic rituals, but also innovative, with initiatives like the Minerva Houses and interdisciplinary programs. Students juggle rigorous academics with active social lives, and the college’s setting—an intimate campus in a small city—provides a sense of community along with access to urban resources.


‍Research Opportunities and Undergraduate Research Output

‍As undergraduate-focused colleges, Union and Williams both emphasize research and scholarship, though they do so differently. Williams College offers numerous research opportunities throughout its curriculum, especially in the sciences and social sciences. With strong faculty and resources, Williams allows students to work closely with professors, either one-on-one or in small teams. One notable program is the Williams Summer Science Research Program, which annually funds many students to conduct original research on campus with faculty mentors. Additionally, Williams’ tutorial system resembles a research apprenticeship in humanities and social sciences. In a tutorial, students conduct independent research and write analytical papers weekly, engaging in mini-research projects with their professors. According to college data, Williams sends more than 50 students to Ph.D. programs in math and science each year. This statistic highlights the strong preparation undergraduates receive; Williams has one of the highest rates of graduates who earn doctorates in fields like economics and science.

A study on Ph.D. productivity ranked Williams #1 among U.S. colleges for the proportion of graduates eventually earning a Ph.D. in economics. It also ranks highly in various other fields, demonstrating the strong scholarly encouragement undergraduates receive to pursue original research. Students benefit from facilities such as the Williams College Science Center, which was recently expanded with the new Wachenheim building. This center provides modern labs for student-faculty research in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and more. Opened in 2021, this major addition reflects Williams' commitment to advancing research infrastructure. In the arts, Williams' ties to world-class institutions like the Clark Art Institute and MASS MoCA offer art history and studio art majors unmatched research and curatorial experiences as undergraduates. Overall, Williams fully integrates research into the undergraduate experience, from independent study projects to honors theses, with a significant portion of seniors completing honors research projects. Faculty often publish research with student co-authors, and Williams provides funding through programs like the Wilmers and Allison Davis fellowships for students to pursue research or unpaid internships. The Winter Study term each January allows students to undertake research projects or fieldwork for a month on topics of interest. All these avenues lead to substantial undergraduate research output, whether measured by student conference presentations, publications, or creative works, which is noteworthy since Williams has no graduate students to fill those roles.

Union College also fosters a strong culture of undergraduate research, often considered a key part of a Union education. Historically, Union was an early adopter of undergraduate research. By the mid-20th century, it had several majors, like chemistry, requiring senior research theses. Since 1978, Union has funded faculty-mentored student research across all disciplines, and it expanded formal summer research stipends by 1986. Today, about 80% of Union students participate in faculty-mentored research before graduation, a remarkably high rate that exceeds participation at Williams. Union showcases this work during its annual Steinmetz Symposium, a campus-wide research day where hundreds of students present their projects, covering everything from engineering prototypes and scientific experiments to creative arts performances and scholarly papers. Named after famous alumnus Charles Steinmetz, this symposium exemplifies Union’s commitment to highlighting undergraduate inquiry. Programs like the Undergraduate Research Program (URS) fund students to work with professors during the summer or academic year, and the college offers academic credit for research in many departments. Union’s combination of liberal arts with engineering and science gives undergraduates access to advanced equipment and labs uncommon at small colleges. The college’s new Integrated Science and Engineering Complex, a $100 million project finished around 2019-2020, has transformed Union’s STEM facilities. This 142,000-square-foot complex includes advanced labs and technology not typically found at a liberal arts college, making Union's facilities among the best for undergraduate science and engineering in the country. This infrastructure supports undergraduate research. Students in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and various engineering fields work on complex research projects, like electrical engineering seniors designing medical devices or neuroscience majors co-authoring papers on brain imaging. Union also promotes interdisciplinary research, encouraging projects that link engineering to public policy or science with ethics, aligning with a liberal arts approach. Outside STEM, Union students engage in research within humanities and social sciences, often resulting in senior thesis projects. History majors may spend a summer doing archival research, and literature majors might create original analyses or creative portfolios. Union also offers term abroad programs with research components; some study abroad options, such as bioengineering or anthropology, include field research.

Faculty mentorship at Union is often praised. Because Union faculty do not have graduate students, they rely on undergraduates for research assistance, giving students significant responsibility. This has led to Union describing undergraduate research as a fundamental part of its education. Many alumni credit these experiences with helping them secure spots in top graduate programs or jobs. Despite its smaller size, Union consistently produces graduates who go on to earn Ph.D.s and other advanced degrees. For instance, Union plays a significant role in sending students to engineering Ph.D. programs relative to its size.

In research output, neither college functions as a research university producing large volumes of faculty publications. Yet both excel in undergraduate contributions. Williams faculty maintain active research agendas. Recently, Williams was ranked 49th in research productivity among U.S. economics departments, surpassing many research universities while remaining primarily an undergraduate institution. Undergraduates at both Williams and Union occasionally publish in academic journals or present at national conferences. The difference may arise in focus: Williams, as the more academically elite institution, often directs students towards pure research, particularly those interested in academia, like a physics major pursuing a Ph.D. at Stanford. Union, with its technical programs, may see more students engaged in applied research, like engineering design projects, or combining research with industry career preparation. Both colleges formally recognize research contributions: Williams through senior honors and the Sigma Xi research society for sciences, and Union through the Steinmetz Symposium and honors like the Fulbright and Watson fellowships, which many students obtain.

In summary, both Union and Williams provide excellent undergraduate research opportunities, fully integrating students into knowledge creation. Williams’ tutorial and summer research programs, along with its record of Ph.D. graduates, reflect a culture of academic excellence. Union’s high research participation, unique science and engineering complex, and long tradition of requiring research across disciplines illustrate that research is essential at Union too. A student inclined toward hands-on research would find supportive environments at both institutions, with Union offering engineering labs and Williams providing a small-scale tutorial mentorship model.


‍Admissions Selectivity and Student Profile (SAT/ACT, Acceptance Rates)

‍Admissions at Williams and Union differ significantly in selectivity. Williams College is very selective, admitting only about 8 to 9% of its applicants in recent years. For the Class of 2028, Williams received around 15,400 applications and admitted approximately 1,272 students, resulting in an 8.3% admit rate and an enrolled class of about 550. In contrast, Union College has a more moderate but still competitive admissions rate, admitting roughly 43 to 47% of applicants. For instance, Union’s Class of 2029 received 9,249 applications and accepted 4,019 students, resulting in a 43% admit rate and around 465 students enrolling. While Union is selective and rejects more than half of its applicants, it admits a wider variety of students than Williams, which turns away over 90% of applicants.

The academic profiles of incoming students highlight this gap in selectivity. Freshmen at Williams typically have outstanding standardized test scores and grades. According to the Common Data and admissions reports, the middle 50% SAT range for enrolled students at Williams is around 1500 to 1560 out of 1600. The middle 50% ACT range is 34 to 35, placing them in essentially the top 5% nationally. The bottom quartile at Williams has around a 1500 SAT score, indicating that nearly all students excelled academically (noting that Williams is now test-optional; in the latest cycle, about 35% submitted SATs and 17% ACTs). Additionally, an impressive 88% of Williams freshmen were in the top 10% of their high school class, and 98% were in the top quarter, emphasizing that Williams’ student body is among the best academically.

Union’s admitted students also have strong credentials, but not as consistently high. Union has also been test-optional, but among those who submitted scores, the middle 50% SAT for enrolled Union students is about 1320 to 1460, and the ACT middle range is around 30 to 34. Union's average SAT score (Math+Reading) for admitted students is around 1360 to 1370, with an average high school GPA of about 3.6 on a 4.0 scale. This shows that Union freshmen are generally strong students, often in the top 20% of their class, as 76% came from the top fifth in class rank. However, the overall academic range at Union is broader. It can accommodate high-achieving students who might fall slightly short of Ivy League scores, as well as those who showcase other strengths beyond testing. Notably, Union considers the performance in math and science for its engineering and science programs. The college also holds two Early Decision rounds, filling a substantial portion (30 to 40%) of its class that way. Similarly, Williams fills a large part of its class through Early Decision, with about 46% of the Class of 2028 being ED admits. The ED acceptance rate is around 23%, significantly higher than the regular rate, meaning many committed, high-stat applicants apply early.

It’s important to note that beyond the numbers, both colleges aim for well-rounded and diverse classes. Williams is need-blind for U.S. students and has strong recruitment for underrepresented groups; its Class of 2028 includes 42% students of color and 19% Pell Grant recipients. Union, although smaller, also places importance on diversity; its recent class is about 28% underrepresented minorities and about 6% international students. While Union is need-aware, it meets full need, aiming to make admission possible for a range of backgrounds. Both colleges use holistic admissions processes. Williams, for example, takes into account factors such as leadership, unique talents, and character very seriously, beyond just scores. Union also seeks students who will thrive in its environment, such as those with interdisciplinary interests drawn to the mix of liberal arts and engineering, or those who show engagement and curiosity that fits Union’s active campus life.

In summary, admissions at Williams is much more competitive based on the statistics. The profile of admitted students at Williams ranks among the Ivy League in quality, while Union’s profile, though strong, aligns more closely with a selective mid-sized liberal arts college. Nevertheless, Union provides an appealing option for high-performing students.
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‍Sources:
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1. Rankings & National Reputation

• U.S. News & World Report – National Liberal Arts Colleges 2025
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges
‍Use for: Williams #1, Union tied at #40, specialty rankings for engineering.
• Forbes Top Colleges 2025
https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/
‍Use for: Williams #7 nationally, Union #148.
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Rankings
https://www.wsj.com/rankings/college-pulse-2024
‍Use for: Williams #108 nationally, Union ~#185.

2. Academics & Faculty

• Williams College Academics Overview
https://www.williams.edu/academics/
‍Use for: Tutorial system, 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 97% Ph.D. faculty, no TAs.
• Union College Academics Overview
https://www.union.edu/academics
‍Use for: Trimester system, ABET-accredited engineering, 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 97% Ph.D. faculty.

3. Student Outcomes & ROI

• Williams College Career Outcomes – Class of 2022
https://www.williams.edu/career-center/outcomes/
‍Use for: 92% placement within 6 months, $93K avg. total compensation, 81% had internships.
• Union College Career Outcomes – Class of 2022
https://www.union.edu/career-center/post-grad-outcomes
‍Use for: 92% placement, 85% career satisfaction, $88.6K mid-career salary, strong grad school placement.
• U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
‍Use for: Mid-career earnings ~$88.6K for both Williams and Union, national median ~$54K.

4. Research & Undergraduate Output

• Williams College – Summer Science Research & Tutorial System
https://www.williams.edu/academics/research/
‍Use for: Tutorial system, SSRP, #1 in Ph.D. production per capita, high research output.
• Union College – Steinmetz Symposium & Undergraduate Research
https://www.union.edu/steinmetz-symposium
‍Use for: 80% of students do research, ISEC facilities, co-authored publications, strong STEM research culture.

5. Admissions Selectivity

• Williams College Common Data Set (2023–24)
https://www.williams.edu/about/administration/offices/institutional-research/common-data-set/
‍Use for: 8.3% admit rate, SAT 1500–1560, ACT 34–35, 88% top 10% of class, need-blind.
• Union College Common Data Set (2023–24)
https://www.union.edu/offices/institutional-research/common-data-set
‍Use for: 43% admit rate, SAT 1320–1460, ACT 30–34, 76% top 20% of class, need-aware.