William & Mary

The College of William and Mary, one of the nation's premier state-assisted liberal arts universities, believes that excellence in teaching is the key to unlocking intellectual and personal possibilities for students. Dedicated to this philosophy and committed to limited enrollment, the College provides high-quality undergraduate, graduate and professional education that prepares students to make significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. In recognition, the media have included William and Mary among the nation's prestigious "Public Ivys," and ranked it first among state institutions in terms of commitment to teaching.

On February 8, 1693, The College of William and Mary received the first charter ever to be granted by the British Crown to a school in the American Colonies. The Charter was granted by William III and Mary II, King and Queen of England. The College severed its formal ties with Great Britain in 1776, and became state-supported in 1906. The College achieved modern university status in 1967. Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's premier academic honor society was founded at William and Mary, as was the first academic honor code, which was penned by Thomas Jefferson.