About St Lawrence University
The sticker price hits $81,100, but most families pay much less. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,250 after aid, while those from families earning over $110,000 still pay $40,029. Graduates earn a median of $67,258 ten years out with typical debt of $27,000. That debt translates to monthly payments of $286, which should be manageable given the earning potential.
The school fields 35 varsity sports with 743 athletes competing in NCAA Division III. About 61% of students come from out of state, creating geographic diversity despite the 77% white student population. The 87% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to the isolated mountain setting, though the 63.5% acceptance rate means St Lawrence isn't extremely selective.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 81.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 79.7%
- Retention Rate
- 86.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,258
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,600 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,846 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $42,682 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,490 |
| History. | Bachelor | $36,134 |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
Campus Life
With housing capacity for 2,362 students and total enrollment of 2,040, nearly everyone lives on campus all four years. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally, and the close-knit community of 2,040 students creates a family-like atmosphere where everyone recognizes each other. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing, plus hockey games that the whole campus attends. The school's 35 varsity sports teams keep 743 students busy as athletes. Students often drive 20 minutes to Potsdam for restaurants and shopping, or take weekend trips to Lake Placid for skiing. The isolation actually strengthens campus bonds - when you're surrounded by wilderness, your classmates become your adventure partners.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 2,362 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
32 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 5°–26°F
- July Avg
- 58°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -698.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.7%
- Women
- 54.3%
- White
- 76.9%
- Black
- 2.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.4%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 38.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.0%
Location
- Address
- Canton, New York 13617
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,258
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,947
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at St Lawrence University?
St Lawrence University accepts 63.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a liberal arts college. Students typically need strong academics with the middle 50% scoring between 1240-1410 on the SAT. The school attracts students who value small class sizes and outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks.
How much does St Lawrence University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at St Lawrence University is $30,561, well below the sticker price of $81,100. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,250 on average. About 29% of students receive institutional grants averaging $44,093.
What is the student-faculty ratio at St Lawrence University?
St Lawrence University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,040 total students. This creates the intimate learning environment typical of top liberal arts colleges. The small size allows for close mentoring relationships and discussion-based classes.
What do graduates of St Lawrence University typically earn?
St Lawrence University graduates earn a median of $67,258 ten years after graduation. The school achieves a strong 95.8% employment rate and 79.7% six-year graduation rate. Alumni include notable figures like actor Kirk Douglas and former General Electric chairman Owen D. Young.
Where is St Lawrence University located and what is campus life like?
St Lawrence University sits in Canton, New York, a remote town in the Adirondack region. The campus houses 2,362 students with 86.1% retention rate showing strong student satisfaction. The location provides access to extensive outdoor recreation that defines much of the campus culture.
How competitive are athletics at St Lawrence University?
St Lawrence University competes in NCAA Division III with 35 varsity sports and 743 total athletes. Nearly 40% of the student body participates in varsity athletics through the Liberty League conference. The Saints nickname reflects the school's commitment to both academic and athletic excellence without athletic scholarships.
