Colorado College vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO with Lawrence University in Appleton, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado College is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (2,056 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, CO (Large City setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Colorado College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado College 9:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Colorado College vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado College or Lawrence? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lawrence University than Colorado College ($27,161 vs. $36,123).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 24.1% lower than at Colorado College ($12,165 vs. $16,020).
• Colorado College is 24.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lawrence (about $13,752 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.1% higher at Colorado College than at Lawrence University (about $13,752 more per year; $70,734.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University than at Colorado College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colorado College students is 19.1% larger than aid received by Lawrence University students ($50,834 vs. $42,688).

Colorado College vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado College or Lawrence? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lawrence and Colorado College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado College (1350) is 40 points higher than at Lawrence (1310).
• Incoming Colorado College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 1230/1460; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado College 29/33; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado College - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado College Jan 15, 2027; Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado College students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Lawrence has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than Colorado College (18.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Colorado College vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Colorado College vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado College and Lawrence? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Colorado College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Lawrence University's (77%).
• Graduates from Colorado College earn a median of about $400 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colorado College graduates have a $6,850 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Colorado College graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($211 vs. $282).
• More Colorado College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.