Lawrence University
Lawrence University is a private nonprofit university in Appleton, WI ranked #311 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 1,394 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 63.0%. Students most often pursue Economics and Political Science and Government.
Day to day, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 87.1% first-year retention, and 76.4% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $24,563, about $7,565 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.6%, roughly 143.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,653. That's about $3,035 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Lawrence University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lawrence University graduates 76.4% of students within six years and keeps 87.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lawrence University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $55,461 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,838 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,650 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $67,824 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.8% of Lawrence University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,025 to $32,492 depending on family income. Use Lawrence University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,712/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $32,492/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,653
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,653
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.3%
- Employment Rate 87.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lawrence University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lawrence University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lawrence University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lawrence University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lawrence University graduates earn $40,653 median, the -58.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-720
- SAT Math 600-710
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,394
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 87.1%
- Graduation Rate 76.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into Lawrence University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lawrence University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 63.0%, Lawrence University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 63.0% acceptance rate, Lawrence University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200 and 1430 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lawrence University undergraduates. Music, Economics, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Music 9.6%
- Economics 9.1%
- Psychology, General 8.9%
- Biology, General 6.9%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 5.8%
- English Language and Literature, General 5.6%
See more majors
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.8%
- Mathematics 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $80,210
- 2. Political Science and Government $57,718
- 3. English Language and Literature, General $47,453
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $45,689
- 5. Psychology, General $39,248
- 6. History $37,344
- 7. Music $32,725
- 8. Fine and Studio Arts $24,014
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $80,210—234% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($24,014). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lawrence University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Music (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 35 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (36 programs)▼
- Music
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Mathematics
- Political Science and Government
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Anthropology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International/Global Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- International Relations and National Security Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,394
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.5%
- Female Students 53.5%
- Caucasian 60.9%
- Asian 4.8%
- Hispanic 11.1%
- Black 3.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lawrence University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lawrence University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lawrence University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lawrence University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lawrence University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lawrence University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lawrence University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -58.6% ROI. Ranked #311 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,563 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $40,653 median earnings. With 76.4% graduating within six years and 87.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lawrence University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #311 ranking, Lawrence University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,563 annually, Lawrence University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 87.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,194 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -58.6% ROI and $40,653 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,563+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lawrence University ranks #311 of 6272 institutions, with 1383 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 76.4% six-year graduation rate sits 13.9 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 87.1% first-year retention is 10.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.6% return on investment is 143.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,653 run about 7% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,563 is roughly $7,445 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.5% employment rate within three years sits 19.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,563 is about $7,445 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 20.8% trails the national share by 18.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Lawrence University, a private nonprofit university in Appleton, WI, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #311 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support A-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 87.1% retention and 76.4% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -58.6%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,563 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $67,824.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $43,261 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $40,653 at the median. That sits about 7% below the national median.
Roughly 87.5% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -58.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
63.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lawrence University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Appleton, WI 54911
- Website www.lawrence.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$440.8M