More than half of Williams students receive financial aid, and many types of aid are available to make up the difference between the cost of Williams and what a family can reasonably contribute. Aid packages include a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and student jobs, and their makeup depends on many factors, including family income and assets, and the number of children in college. Here are a few examples of aid packages that show how families with different circumstances afford a Williams education:
- Sample Family of 4, $175,000 income
- Sample Family of 6, $140,000 income
- Sample Family of 5, $70,000 income
- Sample Family of 3, $25,000 income
Sample Family of 4, $175,000 income
This student is from a California family of four. The family has income of $175,000, $150,000 in home equity, and $20,000 in savings. The student has $1,000 in savings. The parents pay $8,000 in private school tuition for a younger sister.
| Total Budget | $53,080 |
| (including $1,200 for travel and $2,000 for books and personal expenses) | |
| Resources | |
| Parental Contribution | $26,000 |
| Student Savings | 250 |
| Minimum Student Earnings Contribution | 1,500 |
| Total Family Contribution | 27,750 |
| Financial Need | $25,330 |
| Financial Aid Award | |
| Scholarship and Grants | $19,530 |
| Student Loan | 4,000 |
| Campus Job | 1,800 |
| Total Financial Aid Award | $25,330 |
Sample Family of 6, $140,000 income
One of four children, this Massachusetts student has saved $2,000. Together, the parents earn $140,000. They have $100,000 equity in their home and savings of $10,000. A brother attends a state college.
| Total Budget | $51,980 |
| (including $100 for travel and $2,000 for books and personal expenses) | |
| Resources | |
| Parental Contribution | $9,500 |
| Student Savings | 500 |
| Minimum Student Earnings Contribution | 1,500 |
| Total Family Contribution | 11,500 |
| Financial Need | $40,480 |
| Financial Aid Award | |
| Scholarship and Grants | $36,180 |
| Student Loan | 2,500 |
| Campus Job | 1,800 |
| Total Financial Aid Award | $40,480 |
Sample Family of 5, $70,000 income
This Texas student is the eldest of three children. The father earns $70,000, and the mother is at home. They have little home equity or savings.
| Total Budget | $53,030 |
| (including $1,150 for travel and $2,000 for books and personal expenses) | |
| Resources | |
| Parental Contribution | $4,600 |
| Student Savings | 0 |
| Minimum Student Earnings Contribution | 1,500 |
| Total Family Contribution | 6,100 |
| Financial Need | $46,930 |
| Financial Aid Award | |
| Scholarship and Grants | $45,130 |
| Student Loan | 0 |
| Campus Job | 1,800 |
| Total Financial Aid Award | $46,930 |
Sample Family of 3, $25,000 income
This New York City student is one of two children of a single parent whose income is $25,000. The family does not own a home or have much savings.
| Total Budget | $52,030 |
| (including $150 for travel and $2,000 for books and personal expenses) | |
| Resources | |
| Parental Contribution | $0 |
| Student Savings | 0 |
| Minimum Student Earnings Contribution | 1,000 |
| Total Family Contribution | 1,000 |
| Financial Need | $51,030 |
| Financial Aid Award | |
| Scholarship and Grants | $49,230 |
| Student Loan | 0 |
| Campus Job | 1,800 |
| Total Financial Aid Award | $51,030 |
