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William James College

Enrollment
36
Median Salary
$0
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

William James College feels like a tight-knit professional cohort rather than a traditional undergraduate campus. The atmosphere is intensely focused on psychology and mental health, fostering a supportive but academically rigorous environment. It is a place for students who are deeply committed to entering the helping professions.

Academics & Majors

The college is a premier institution specializing in psychology and behavioral health, offering a clear pathway to graduate-level study. Classes are taught by practicing clinicians and researchers, ensuring that the curriculum is grounded in real-world application. Research opportunities are closely tied to clinical practice and community-based projects.

Popular Majors

Psychology
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

36
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

35%
Receive Pell Grants
42.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Newton

Newton is a classic New England suburb, offering quiet study spots in local cafes and access to green spaces like Crystal Lake. Students often travel into nearby Boston for major city attractions, concerts, and professional sports, which is just a short train ride away. Social life on campus is intimate, centered around cohort bonding and professional networking events.

Local Rent Check

$2,064 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Newton
Explore Newton

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$40,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $0

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($0):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a quiet, affluent suburb of Boston with very low crime rates. The Newton area is considered one of the safest communities in Massachusetts, providing a secure environment for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Specialized focus on psychology ensures deep expertise
  • โœ“ Small class sizes allow for personalized attention
  • โœ“ Strong connections to clinical internships and practicum sites
  • โœ“ Located near Boston for access to a major job market

Cons

  • โœ— Extremely limited undergraduate enrollment makes it exclusive
  • โœ— Social life is limited due to the small size and suburban setting
  • โœ— Cost is high for a specialized private college

Notable Alumni

Dr. Alice Brand
A distinguished clinical psychologist and author known for her work in trauma and resilience.
Dr. Mark P. Moster
A prominent neuropsychologist who has contributed significantly to the field of brain injury rehabilitation.
Dr. Nancy G. Klimas
A renowned neuroimmunologist and researcher, known for her work on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Gulf War Illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

William James College is nationally recognized for its focus on psychology and behavioral health. It is particularly known for training students to become mental health professionals through rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs. The college emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and community engagement.

Yes, admission is highly competitive due to the extremely small undergraduate enrollment of only 36 students. While specific acceptance rates vary by year, applicants need strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to the field of psychology. Successful applicants typically have high GPAs and clear evidence of interest in mental health careers.

Campus life is intimate and academically focused, characterized by small cohorts working closely together. Because it is a small specialized college, social activities are centered around academic and professional development events. Students often engage in clinical practicums and study groups, creating a collaborative rather than party-centric atmosphere.

The value depends on your career goals; for students committed to a career in psychology or mental health counseling, the specialized training provides a strong foundation. The high cost of a private education requires careful financial planning, but the proximity to the Boston job market can enhance post-graduation opportunities. It is worth it for those who utilize the clinical internships and plan to pursue advanced degrees.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Boston Medical Center Massachusetts General Hospital Cambridge Health Alliance The Home for Little Wanderers Justice Resource Institute
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 96
  • Zip Code 02459

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 25% โ™€ 75%

The Money Talk

With a Pell Grant rate of 35%, the college serves a significant number of students with financial need, suggesting some institutional aid availability. However, as a private institution specializing in graduate-level training, the sticker price is high, and the ROI must be weighed against the earning potential in the psychology field. The value is highest for those who leverage the specialized training into high-demand clinical roles or advanced degrees.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.