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Lawrence University

Appleton, WI·Private nonprofit·1,394 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. strong 76% graduation rate; generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

63%
Accept
1,394
Students
$24,563
Net Price
76%
Grad Rate
$48,700
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Lawrence University is a private nonprofit institution located in Appleton, Wisconsin with approximately 1,394 undergraduate students enrolled. Lawrence University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average net price after financial aid is $24,563 per year. The graduation rate is 76%, and the typical graduate earns $48,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1847, its first classes were held on November 12, 1849. Lawrence was the second college in the U.S. to be founded as a coeducational institution.

Founded in 1847 and genuinely committed to the liberal arts plus a serious conservatory of music, this small Appleton school offers a distinctive combination that's hard to find elsewhere at a relatively manageable net price of $24,563/year. The 76% graduation rate and 87% freshman retention are decent but not exceptional, suggesting some students struggle to finish — worth asking about support systems on a campus visit. Median earnings of $48,700 a decade out are modest, so this is a better fit for students driven by intellectual curiosity or music than those prioritizing a high-salary career path.

Founded
1847
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts25%
Biological Sciences16%
Social Sciences16%
Psychology10%
English5%
Physical Sciences5%
Education4%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Kaja KallasThomas A. SteitzEdna FerberCampbell ScottJeffrey JonesDominic FumusaJosh SawyerJennifer BaumgardnerRobert J. GambleMarjorie LiuPawo Choyning Dorji

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1349
Reading 75th %ile720
Math 75th %ile710

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite30

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$55,461
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,461
Avg Net Price
$24,563
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
76%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
87%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White61%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,394 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Lawrence University

College Ave

Appleton, WI 54911

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Wisconsin

Browse all Wisconsin schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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