The Flat Hat analyzed public data on median starting salaries one year after graduation to compare the early-career earning potential of graduates from several of Virginia’s leading institutions.
According to the College of William and Mary’s Next Destination Survey for the class of 2024, graduates entering full-time employment earned an average starting yearly salary of $64,890. This exceeds the national average of $55,260 reported by U.S. News & World Report. The College ranks third in the state and 52nd nationally for overall ratings.
While peer institutions report higher median starting salaries, a degree from the College holds significant value when it comes to career progression.
The Flat Hat analyzed reports from voluntary submitters who attended Virginia universities more than 10 years into their careers. Virginia Tech alumni reported a mid-career median pay of $110,000, around a 49% increase. University of Virginia alumni reported a mid-career median pay between $100,000 and $130,000, an approximately 50%-90% rise. Alumni from the College reported a mid-career median pay between $120,000 and $152,000, an 85%-135% increase.
Kimberly Adams ’95, director of sales excellence at Microsoft, highlighted how the College aided her career progression.
“I remember distinctly that William and Mary has an incredible career center, and they arranged lots of on-campus interviews,” she said. “I remember interviewing for a few positions on campus, which helped me jump-start my career.”
Natalie Sayers ’30 echoed the sentiment, highlighting the College’s emphasis on career readiness.
“As a freshman who isn’t very sure what they want to do, I attended a pre-law info session, and one of the pre-law professors talked about how we could efficiently prepare ourselves for the LSAT and how to use the alumni network that William and Mary provides,” she said.
Sayers also stressed the College Curriculum as a potential advantage for alumni.
“William and Mary establishes a liberal arts approach while still getting that level of intense rigor at the same time, allowing you to practice varying interests and building towards your career,” she said.
Career paths also impact starting salaries.
Each career group reports starting salaries higher than its national average. For example, the national average salary for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration starts at $62,856, significantly below the College’s average of $81,323.
“While there is a wide gap within the starting salaries for different majors, you could absolutely have a successful career in a humanitarian field by utilizing the many resources that William and Mary provides, such as the alumni network, the many career fairs or the career info sessions,” Sayers said. “I think William and Mary does a good job of providing resources for all majors and also establishing that it’s important to major in what you are passionate about.”
The College’s Student Assembly also passed a bill to increase the Office of Career Development and Professional Engagement’s accessibility through events this academic year.
“[The] Office of Career Development & Professional Engagement provides valuable services and resources to support students as they explore career options … and embark on their career paths,” the Wren Bell Ready Act Part II reads.
