Founded in 1693, William & Mary is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and is often referred to as the "Alma Mater of the Nation" for its historical connections to the country's founding figures. The university is recognized as one of the nation's "Public Ivies," a distinction it holds alongside only seven other public institutions.
The university offers a rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum with more than 115 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. A significant portion of the student body, 45%, pursues majors in STEM fields. Academic innovation has a long history at the institution; in 1779, William & Mary pioneered the elective system of study and established the nation's first honor code.
William & Mary's campus culture is rooted in its historical legacy. It established the nation's first Greek-letter society, Phi Beta Kappa. The university's position in Williamsburg places it within a region of significant American historical importance, contributing to its distinct academic environment.
