Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
64%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1200–1420
Undergrad enrollment
1,396
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$23,401
In-state tuition
$56,982
Out-of-state tuition
$56,982
Avg GPA
3.7
Total Cost
$71,697
Acceptance Rate
63.9%
On-Campus Housing
94%
Avg ACT (middle 50%)
26–32
Avg SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1420
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Avg Net Price After Aid
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Lawrence University?
Lawrence University's acceptance rate is approximately 64% (Appleton, WI), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Lawrence University?
Admitted students at Lawrence University typically score 1200–1420 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Lawrence University cost?
At Lawrence University, the average net price (after aid) is about $23,401 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Lawrence University?
Lawrence University enrolls approximately 1,396 undergraduate students.
Where is Lawrence University located?
Lawrence University is located in Appleton, WI.
Lawrence University is a small, fiercely independent liberal arts college in Appleton, Wisconsin, where intellectual curiosity meets artistic expression. With a 64% acceptance rate and a 'test-optional' policy, it attracts creative, self-directed students who thrive in its conservatory-meets-liberal-arts environment. The school's 65 majors and 'busy culture' foster a tight-knit community of scholars and performers who graduate with strong outcomes—78% of white students and 76% of Pell Grant recipients finish within six years.
Admissions
Lawrence University is somewhat selective, with a 63.9% acceptance rate (64 out of 100 applicants admitted). The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1240–1420 on the SAT or 26–32 on the ACT, with an average GPA of 3.7. Notably, Lawrence is test-optional—it accepts but does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission or scholarships. Transfer applicants for music programs must submit a music resume and audition. The university emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone., with no strict open-admission policy.
Lawrence offers four degree options and 65 majors, minors, and programs, encouraging interdisciplinary combinations. Popular majors include English (6% of degrees) and foreign languages (4%), but the curriculum leans heavily into the arts and sciences. The B.A. program allows students to choose from 36 majors, while the conservatory integrates rigorous music training. Small classes and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio foster close mentorship. Unique opportunities include undergraduate research, performance-based learning, and field work with professors—hallmarks of its 'exploration' culture.
Life at Lawrence revolves around its 94% on-campus housing rate, creating a residential community where individuality is celebrated but no one feels anonymous. Students are known for their 'busy culture'—juggling academics, performances, and clubs. The university fosters leadership through:
Weekends might involve field trips with professors or concerts at the conservatory. The vibe is collaborative rather than competitive, with a strong emphasis on creative expression.
Lawrence graduates boast strong retention and completion rates:
78% of white students graduate within six years
76% of Pell Grant recipients persist to graduation
71% of multiracial students finish their degrees
Early-career outcomes are solid, with graduates earning a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation. The university emphasizes return on investment, tracking alumni success in graduate schools and creative fields. Notably, outcomes are equitable across demographic groups—a rarity among liberal arts colleges.
The total annual cost at Lawrence is $71,697, but the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid drops to $27,393. Key details:
64.22% of students receive financial aid
Average aid package: $53,020
Federal Pell Grants cover a portion for eligible students
The university provides a Net Price Calculator to estimate individualized costs. While the sticker price is steep, generous aid packages make Lawrence accessible to middle-income families, particularly for high-achieving students.
Lawrence is uniquely hybrid—a top-tier liberal arts college with a world-class conservatory, where a biology major might minor in violin performance. Its 'busy but supportive' culture attracts self-starters who want to design their own path. Unlike more rigid peers, Lawrence encourages cross-disciplinary work (e.g., physics + music theory). The school punches above its weight in undergraduate research and arts access, with 100% of students engaging in performances or exhibitions. For those seeking a close-knit, creatively charged environment, it’s a hidden gem.
Lawrence University logo · sourceLawrence University – Colleges That Change Lives · sourceAbout | Lawrence University · sourceLawrence University – College Right · source
