He received the Academic Achievement award from both the Colorado School of Mines and from Kent State University, where he was a psychology student.

His college roommate, Louis Cusella, stated that he believed Schroeder was trying to flee when shot: "Bill was 332 feet away from the nearest National Guardsman, not much of a threat.

"[citation needed] Official reports stated that Schroeder was actually 382 feet from the National Guard at the time he was shot, while lying on the ground facing away from the Guardsmen.

The shootings led to protests and a national student strike, causing hundreds of campuses to close because of both violent and non-violent demonstrations.

The personal writings and effects of William Schroeder, as well as supporting material about his life, are on display in a special section at the May 4 visitor center at Kent State University as of summer 2019.