At $24,563/yr net price, Lawrence University graduates earn $55,789/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,789/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,563 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,789/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,789/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,025/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,498/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,215/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,712/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,492/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $12,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $23,113 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $22,667 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,329 | $15,000 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $18,988 |
The Risk Factor
76.4% of students at Lawrence University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lawrence University runs a mixed financial picture. You pay about $24,563 a year on average, and ten years after starting you're looking at median earnings under $56,000. That gap is manageable because median debt lands at $26,000, roughly one year's post-graduation pay. The 76% graduation rate and 87% retention rate mean you have a solid chance of finishing, which matters more than any single earnings figure since dropping out with debt is the worst outcome here.
The program data tells a sharp story. Economics is the clear payoff, with graduates earning around $54,000, close to double what the next-listed majors bring in. Political science, biochemistry, history, and general biology all land under $30,000 in early earnings. Biology carries lighter debt at $12,000, which softens the blow, but the pattern is plain: outside of economics, the bachelor-level programs listed here produce weak early salaries. If you enroll expecting a science or humanities degree to pay for itself quickly, the numbers don't back that up.
The specific risk is Appleton's regional job market combined with a liberal-arts program mix that leans toward fields with slow early earnings. A political science or history degree here starts you well below the school's own median, so your major choice drives your return more than the school's average does.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30,000, you pay about $12,025. over $110,000, you pay $32,492, nearly three times as much. If your family earns under $48,000, Lawrence is a reasonable financial bet, especially if you target economics. If you're paying the top tier for a humanities track with sub-$30,000 early earnings, look harder at the math before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawrence University worth the cost?
Lawrence University graduates earn $55,789 ten years after graduation with median debt of $26,000, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. However, many popular majors like Political Science ($29,685) and Biology ($25,194) show concerning earning potential relative to the investment.
Which Lawrence University programs offer the best return on investment?
Economics majors at Lawrence University earn $54,035 annually, making it the only program that approaches the school average of $55,789. Most other popular majors including Political Science, Biology, and History produce significantly lower earnings that may not justify the cost.
How much debt do Lawrence University students graduate with?
Lawrence University students graduate with a median debt of $26,000. While this debt level is manageable for Economics majors earning $54,035, it creates financial stress for graduates in lower-earning fields like Political Science ($29,685) or Biology ($25,194).
Does Lawrence University provide enough financial aid to make it affordable?
Lawrence University's net price of $24,563 per year reflects substantial financial aid, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. The 76% graduation rate suggests most students can complete their degrees, though earning potential varies dramatically by major choice.