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Lawrence University

Accept Rate
63.03%
Grad Rate
77.2%
Enrollment
1,394
Avg SAT
1349
Tuition
$55,461
Median Salary
$55,789
Overall Grade
C+
B+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Lawrence University feels like an intimate, artistically charged conservatory nestled in a vibrant college town, where every student's intellectual curiosity is nurtured. The campus buzzes with a creative energy, blending rigorous academics with a close-knit community that feels both intellectually stimulating and personally supportive.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

63.03%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 134975th Pctl
12001430
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3075th Pctl
2732
1122436

Admissions Tips

Showcase your passion for the arts or interdisciplinary studies in your application; Lawrence values creative and intellectual initiative. Since the school is test-optional, focus on crafting essays and a portfolio that highlight your unique voice and how you would contribute to their collaborative campus culture.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1349
40080012001600
School range: 1200โ€“1430

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Lawrence is renowned for its exceptional programs in the visual and performing arts, alongside strong departments in biology, social sciences, and literature. The college emphasizes close faculty mentorship and hands-on learning, with ample opportunities for undergraduate research and performance in its state-of-the-art facilities.

Popular Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
24.8%
Biology & Biomedical
16.4%
Social Sciences
15.6%
Psychology
10.4%
English & Literature
4.9%
Physical Sciences
4.9%
Foreign Languages
4.6%
Education
4%
Computer Science
2.6%
Mathematics & Statistics
2.6%
Ethnic & Cultural Studies
2.3%
History
2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

77.2%
Graduation Rate
87.1%
Retention Rate
1,394
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$55,461
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$24,563
After financial aid
Total Cost
$67,824
Cost of attendance/year
20.8%
Receive Pell Grants
59.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Appleton

Students in Appleton enjoy a lively downtown scene with coffee shops, live music venues, and the historic Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Fox River trails, while the city's festivals and farmers markets provide a constant stream of cultural and social activities.

Local Rent Check

$772 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Appleton
Explore Appleton

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$221,844
$0Est. 4 Years: $221,844

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,789):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Lawrence University is located in a safe, walkable urban neighborhood in Appleton, with campus security and local police actively engaged in community safety. The surrounding area is known for its low crime rates and friendly, small-town atmosphere, making it a secure environment for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Exceptional strength in visual and performing arts with dedicated conservatory programs
  • โœ“ High retention and graduation rates indicating strong student satisfaction and support
  • โœ“ Close-knit, collaborative campus community with low student-to-faculty ratio
  • โœ“ Solid mid-career earnings that reflect the value of its personalized education

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost before financial aid is applied
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment means fewer large-scale university offerings compared to bigger schools
  • โœ— Located in a smaller city, which may limit off-campus internship opportunities

Notable Alumni

Edgar D. Wollmann
Former mayor of Appleton and key figure in the city's development
J. Michael Straczynski
Award-winning science fiction writer and creator of 'Babylon 5'
James R. Oestreich
Former editor of The New York Times and noted music critic

Frequently Asked Questions

Lawrence University is particularly known for its prestigious conservatory of music and strong programs in the visual and performing arts. It also excels in liberal arts education, with notable strengths in biology, psychology, and English, all within a collaborative, undergraduate-focused environment.

With an acceptance rate of 63.03%, Lawrence University is moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score between 1349 and 1440, indicating a competitive applicant pool, but it remains accessible for students with strong academic records and a clear passion for the arts or sciences.

Campus life is vibrant and arts-focused, with frequent student performances, gallery openings, and interdisciplinary events. Students enjoy a tight-knit community in an urban setting, with easy access to downtown Appleton's amenities, outdoor activities along the Fox River, and a variety of student-led clubs and organizations.

For students who value a personalized, arts-integrated education, Lawrence can be worth the investment, especially with an average net price of $24,563 after aid. The 77.2% graduation rate and $55,789 median earnings after 10 years suggest a strong return on investment, particularly for those in creative and scientific fields.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Appleton Area School District ThedaCare Kimberly-Clark Miller Electric Mfg. Co. UW Health
Smart Start Score
67

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,530
  • In-State Tuition $55,461
  • Zip Code 54911

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.5% โ™€ 53.5%

The Money Talk

With a high sticker price, Lawrence University's value hinges on its strong graduation rate and the personalized education it provides, which can lead to solid mid-career earnings. For many students, the significant financial aid and net price averaging $24,563 make it a more accessible investment, especially for those leveraging Pell Grants and merit scholarships.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with University of Dallas

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $55,461
Housing (12 mo) $9,264
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $71,925
With avg financial aid:
$24,563/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.