Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Appleton, Wisconsin |
| Online | lawrence.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Lawrence University, situated in Appleton, Wisconsin along the Fox River, is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music located 30 miles southwest of Green Bay. The campus encompasses 84 acres of predominantly Gothic architecture in a residential area, featuring academic buildings that date back to the institution's founding in 1847. As one of the first co-educational institutions in the United States, Lawrence maintains selective admission standards and offers a distinctive academic program that combines traditional liberal arts education with comprehensive musical training through its conservatory. The college is known for its strong programs in music performance, natural sciences, and environmental studies, with all students participating in the school's signature Freshman Studies program that emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. Students are required to live on campus for their first three years, with housing options ranging from traditional residence halls to themed group houses.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Lawrence is rated within the top 29% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Lawrence University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#187 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#146 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Wisconsin
#1 in Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin
#108 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1200/1430 |
| ACT | 27/32 |
| GPA | 3.52 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $312 |
| Room and Board | $11,838 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,650 |
| Total One Year Cost | $69,849 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 26% |
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Biology | 12% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| Foreign Languages | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Lawrence are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=239017 IPEDS survey data for Lawrence University.
Current students may use the Lawrence University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025