Campus Vibe
Known for biology — close-knit campus
Lawrence University is a private institution in Appleton with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1349, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.4K undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
76% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $55,789 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $24,563.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Lawrence University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1349
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
40.1%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
11
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (37)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
87%
- •87% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Lawrence Vikings
History & Fun Facts
- •History Lawrence's first president, William Harkness Sampson, founded the school with Henry R.
- •Its oldest extant building, Main Hall, was built in 1853.
- •Lawrence's first period of major growth came during the thirty-year tenure (1894―1924) of alumnus Samuel G.
- •From 1913 until 1964, it was named Lawrence College, to emphasize its small size and liberal arts education focus.
- •The name returned to Lawrence University when it merged with Milwaukee-Downer College.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average