About Lawrence University
The sticker price reaches $68,199, but most families pay far less than advertised. The average net price drops to $24,563 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $12,025 annually. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and earn a median salary of $55,789 ten years after graduation. These numbers suggest reasonable value for a private liberal arts education, especially given the school's dual focus on academics and music.
Lawrence accepts 72% of applicants, making it accessible to strong students who might not qualify for more selective schools. The college operates on a trimester system that allows for intensive study periods. About 82% of students come from out of state, creating a geographically diverse community of 1,394 on a campus that houses most undergraduates.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 82.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 77.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.4%
- Retention Rate
- 87.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,789
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $54,035 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| History. | Bachelor | $28,019 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $23,113 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $22,667 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,329 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
With only 7 students per faculty member, you'll know your professors personally and likely get invited to their homes for dinner. The conservatory culture means live music fills campus constantly, from impromptu practice room sessions to formal concerts. About 27% of students participate in varsity athletics across 18 Division III sports, while many others join intramural teams or outdoor clubs that take advantage of nearby hiking and skiing. Weekend options include house parties, concerts at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel, or trips to Green Bay Packers games. The trimester system creates an intense academic pace with frequent breaks, including a unique January term for experiential learning projects.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,450 beds
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1847
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–24°F
- July Avg
- 62°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 44.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.5%
- Women
- 53.5%
- White
- 60.9%
- Black
- 3.7%
- Hispanic
- 11.1%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 18.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.8%
Location
- Address
- Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,789
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,380
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lawrence University?
Lawrence University accepts 72% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1210 and 1460 on the SAT. This liberal arts college attracts students serious about both academics and music through its well-known conservatory program.
How much does Lawrence University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lawrence University is $24,563 after financial aid, lower than the $68,199 total cost of attendance. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,025 on average. The school provides institutional grants averaging $39,542 to 29% of students.
What makes the academics unique at Lawrence University?
Lawrence operates on a trimester calendar system and maintains an exceptional 7:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,394 total students. The school uniquely combines rigorous liberal arts education with a professional music conservatory. This dual focus allows students to pursue serious musical training alongside traditional academic disciplines.
What are the career outcomes for Lawrence University graduates?
Lawrence graduates earn a median salary of $55,789 ten years after graduation, with a strong 95% employment rate. The school achieves a solid 76% six-year graduation rate. Alumni include notable figures like actor Willem Dafoe and novelist Edna Ferber, reflecting the school's strength in arts and humanities.
Where is Lawrence University located and what is campus life like?
Lawrence sits in Appleton, Wisconsin, a small city setting that houses all 1,394 students in a tight-knit community. The campus can accommodate 1,450 students in on-campus housing at $11,838 per year. Students compete as Vikings in 18 NCAA Division III sports with 376 total athletes participating.
How does the music conservatory work at Lawrence University?
Lawrence's conservatory program sets it apart from typical liberal arts colleges, allowing students to pursue serious musical training alongside academic study. The school's motto 'Light! More light!' reflects its commitment to illuminating knowledge across disciplines. This unique combination attracts students nationwide, with 82% coming from out of state.
