William Woods University

Private · Moderately Selective · MO

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationMO · Midwest

SettingRural

Undergrads1,300

Student:faculty16:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate42.5%

6-yr grad rate46.8%

Drop-out rate42%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$30k

Out-of-state tuition$30k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity42.9%

Gender diversity60.5%

International2.5%

IdentityChristian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Overview

William Woods University, in Fulton, Missouri, is a small university best known nationally for its equestrian studies program — one of the oldest and most complete in the country. Historically a women's college, it has been coeducational since the 1990s, and it retains a close, small-campus feel.

Academics

Equestrian studies is the program the university is most identified with nationally, offering multiple riding disciplines and extensive on-campus facilities that few colleges of any size can match. American Sign Language interpreting is another genuine specialty — Fulton is also home to the Missouri School for the Deaf, and the local Deaf community supports the program in a way that is not easily replicated elsewhere. Education is the other established strength.

Campus & student life

Fulton is a small Missouri town, and the equestrian facilities are a visible, central part of campus, along with a close-knit residential community typical of a small university. The historically women's-college character still shows up in campus traditions even decades into coeducation.

Worth knowing

The equestrian program is a genuine draw that brings students to Fulton specifically for it, and the ASL interpreting program benefits from proximity to an established regional Deaf community — both are more specialized than what a general small liberal arts college would offer.

williamwoods.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate71%

Enrolled mid-50%—

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying